Your car is a major investment and protecting your investment should be top of mind. Make sure you do a deep cleaning of the outside of your car including the under carriage to remove winter salt build-up that can cause rust. Usually this is something you can tackle yourself, however, there are professional detailers available that can help with that. Marx Auto Center, Dartmouth MA

Before resuming travel, we recommend a complete maintenance inspection, especially if your car has sat dormant for a while. At a minimum, check that:

• Tires are properly inflated and at proper tread depth
• Fluids are topped off
• Lights are all working properly
• Windshield wipers are in good shape
• Belts and hoses aren’t worn
• You don’t have furry friends making a home in your car. During colder months, critters tend to seek shelter in the wheel well around the tires, under your hood (look for nests), and even in your glove compartment (especially if you keep any food there).

Dorman’s Auto Center, Pawtucket RI

Spring rains can come suddenly, so make sure you’re ready. Many manufacturers recommend replacing your wiper blades every three months, and consider keeping a spare set in your trunk. Rainproof your windshield with a water repellent product like Rain Clear (or something similar) to minimize the work of your wipers; spray it on your glass every few weeks. In light rain, it makes the wipers almost unnecessary. Automotive Magic, Kenvil, NJ

Our Spring Cleaning Special focuses on three filters: the oil filter, air filter, and cabin air filter. The cabin filter may be the most important, as it cleans the air you and your passengers are breathing. Now more than ever, keeping that filter fresh and new is extremely important. Marx Auto Center, Dartmouth MA

Swap out winter emergency gear for other supplies. Remove the snow brush and scraper, add water and snacks. Make sure you have a blanket and flashlight as well. You’ll be driving more in daylight, so have a good pair of sunglasses in the car. We recommend a tire repair kit as well, because a hiking or camping trip can take you off the beaten path if you have a flat. And, due to lingering covid, make sure you have extra masks. 54^th Street Auto, New York

Check your tires. Winter can be brutal on your tires, as well as the debris usually on roads in the winter. It’s a good time to check the production date on your tires as well...even if they’re not work old, they may be old. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are 8 years old no matter what the condition. 54^th Street Auto, New York

 

Did you know you can easily extend the life of your tires just by rotating them every so often? It’s true! All four tires on your car do not wear down in the same way. Sometimes the front or back set of tires can wear down at different rates depending on your car, your speed and your roads. Rotate those tires and you can extend their life and save yourself $400 to $800 for a brand-new set of four. Automotive Magic, Kenvil NJ

A fuel system cleaning will clean and dirt and debris build-up from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors, which will help you maintain maximum gas mileage. With gas prices high, this can be impactful. Leave this important service to a professional technician. Marx Auto Center, Dartmouth MA

There are several fluids that should be kept at appropriate levels to keep your car running properly, including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid. A leak with any of these will affect your driving. Check your garage floor or driveway for leaks. If you can identify the color of the fluid that will help the technician identify where the leak is coming from. Automotive Magic, Kenvil, NJ

This auto repair shop has been operating since 1927, and joined the Approved Auto Repair program in 2019. They received an average satisfaction score of 99.1% from members, solidly putting this family-owned business among the top shops of 2021!

 

A perennial top performer, Guilford Texaco had a satisfaction score of 95% with AAA members. The shop, owned by Jim and Ernie Betulia, has won numerous awards, including being named as a Service Provider of Excellence in 2013 and 2019. A partner in AAA’s repair, ERS and car battery service, Guilford has been a provider for AAA since 1970.

 

Received a 100% satisfaction score with 85 surveys, and an RSP completion rate of 95.7%. The shop does repair, ERS and battery service, and has been a part of the Approved Auto Repair program since 2010.