Want more tips for keeping your Lexus in top shape? Here are some blogs you should check out:
3 Signs Your Tires Need to Be Replaced
3 Signs Your Brake Pads & Rotors Need Replacing
How to Know When It’s Time for a Wheel Alignment
Swap Your Winter Tires
Once temperatures have been consistently above 7°C for seven days, it's time to make the switch to all-season or summer tires. Running winter tires in warm weather wears down the soft rubber compound quickly and increases fuel consumption, neither of which you want heading into a long drive. If you haven't made the swap yet, book a tire change appointment before your trip.
Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Even after switching tires, take a moment to check your tire pressure before hitting the road. Cold winter temperatures cause air pressure to drop, and tires that sat through the season may need inflation. Under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout, particularly on longer highway stretches.
While you're at it, inspect the tread depth. Spring rain means wet roads, and worn tread increases the risk of hydroplaning. The legal minimum tread depth in Ontario is 1.6 mm, but for confident handling in wet conditions, more is better. When in doubt, have a technician take a look.
Inspect Your Brakes
Winter roads are tough on brakes. Salt, grit, and repeated hard stops through icy conditions all accelerate wear, and spring is when that wear tends to show up. Listen for squeaking or grinding when you brake, and pay attention to whether the pedal feels spongy or less responsive than usual. Either of those signs means it's time for a brake inspection before you put serious kilometres on the vehicle.
Top Up Your Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and a pre-trip check takes only a few minutes. Before you leave, make sure the following are at the right levels and in good condition:
- Engine oil: If you're due for a change, do it before the trip rather than after. Old oil from a winter of cold starts isn't doing your engine any favours.
- Coolant: Long drives generate heat. Make sure your coolant is at the correct level and hasn't degraded over the winter.
- Windshield washer fluid: Spring roads are muddy, and construction season is underway. You'll use more washer fluid than you expect.
- Brake fluid: A spongy pedal or a fluid level below the minimum line warrants a closer look before a long drive.
- Transmission fluid: Dark or burnt-smelling fluid is a sign it's overdue for a change.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather is hard on batteries, and a battery that struggled through winter may not have much left in reserve. Most batteries last three to five years, so if yours is getting up there in age or your car has been slow to start lately, have it tested before your trip.
Check Your Wiper Blades and Lights
Spring weather in Ontario can turn quickly. A set of wiper blades that streaks, skips, or squeaks in the rain is a visibility hazard and replacing them is one of the easiest and least expensive maintenance tasks you can do. If you're still running winter wiper blades, now is the time to swap them out for standard ones.
While you're at it, walk around the vehicle and confirm that all exterior lights are working, such as the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lamps. A burnt-out bulb is easy to miss until it becomes a safety issue or earns you a ticket.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Even a well-maintained vehicle can run into unexpected situations. Before you leave, make sure you have the basics covered:
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Basic first aid kit
- Blanket and water
- Phone charger or power bank
- Non-perishable snacks
It's also worth confirming that your spare tire is properly inflated. It doesn't do much good if it's flat when you need it.
Book a Pre-Trip Inspection at Lexus Downtown
Not sure where to start? Let our service team take care of it. A pre-trip inspection at Lexus Downtown covers all the essentials, so you can head out with confidence knowing your vehicle is ready for whatever the road brings. Book your service appointment online or contact us today!
