Winter is rough on vehicles. By the time spring hits, many cars and trucks are dealing with pothole impacts, salt corrosion, low tire pressure damage, and worn brakes—even if everything felt “fine” in February.
A spring inspection helps catch issues early, improves safety, and can save you money by preventing uneven tire wear and surprise repairs later.
Here’s the complete spring service checklist, written in plain language.
Why Spring Service Matters
After winter, we commonly see:
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Uneven tire wear from potholes and alignment changes
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Brake rust and sticking calipers from salt and slush
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Suspension clunks and steering looseness from rough roads
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Exhaust rattles from loose heat shields and rusted hangers
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Fluid leaks that become obvious once ice and grime clear away
Spring is the best time to reset your vehicle for the warmer months.
1) Tires: Swap, Inspect, and Correct Pressure
What to check
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Tread depth and uneven wear patterns
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Cracks, bubbles, or punctures
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Tire pressure (including the spare)
Why it matters
Winter driving + potholes can damage tires and rims. Proper pressure improves handling, fuel economy, and tire life.
2) Wheel Alignment & Steering Feel
What to check
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Pulling left/right
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Steering wheel off-center
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Vibration at highway speeds
Why it matters
A slightly off alignment can destroy a set of tires faster than most people expect. Spring is pothole season—alignment checks pay off.
3) Brakes: Rust, Wear, and Sticking Hardware
What to check
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Pad thickness and rotor condition
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Rust buildup on rotors
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Caliper slide pins and hardware movement
Why it matters
Salt can cause brake parts to stick, leading to uneven wear, noise, vibration, and reduced braking performance.
4) Suspension: Clunks, Squeaks, and Loose Components
What to check
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Shocks/struts (leaks, excessive bouncing)
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Ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings
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Sway bar links/bushings (common clunk source)
Why it matters
Suspension issues don’t just make noise—they affect braking stability, tire wear, and handling.
5) Fluids: Top Up, Inspect, and Prevent Bigger Repairs
What to check
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Engine oil level and condition
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Coolant level/condition and leak check
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Brake fluid condition
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Transmission and driveline fluid leaks (as applicable)
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Washer fluid
Why it matters
Small leaks are easiest (and cheapest) to fix early. Spring inspections often catch seepage before it becomes a breakdown.
6) Battery & Charging System (Winter Can Weaken Batteries)
What to check
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Battery test (health and performance)
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Terminal corrosion and cable condition
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Alternator charging output
Why it matters
A battery can survive winter but be weakened by it—then fail later in spring or summer when you least expect it.
7) A/C Check (Before the First Heat Wave)
What to check
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A/C performance (cold and consistent)
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Cabin air filter condition
Why it matters
It’s better to catch A/C issues early before demand spikes and it’s hot outside.
8) Underbody & Rust Prevention
What to check
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Exhaust system condition and hangers
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Brake lines and vulnerable metal components
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Underbody wash to remove salt residue
Why it matters
Salt keeps working long after winter ends. Washing and inspecting in spring helps slow corrosion.
Quick Spring Car Service Checklist (Copy/Paste)
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✅ Tire condition + pressures + spare
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✅ Alignment check (pulling/vibration/off-center wheel)
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✅ Brake inspection (pads/rotors + hardware)
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✅ Suspension & steering inspection (clunks/looseness)
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✅ Fluid check (oil, coolant, brake fluid, leaks)
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✅ Battery test + terminal check
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✅ A/C performance + cabin filter
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✅ Underbody/exhaust/rust inspection
Spring Service FAQ
Do I really need an alignment after winter?
If you hit potholes, notice pulling, or see uneven tire wear—yes. It can save your tires.
Why do my brakes squeal more in spring?
Surface rust and salt can cause noise, and sticking brake hardware is common after winter.
What’s the most common spring repair you see?
Alignment, brakes, and suspension/steering wear (sway links, ball joints, tie rods) are very common after pothole season.
Ready for a Spring Inspection?
A spring inspection is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle reliable and catch issues early—especially after a rough winter.
Call Heritage AutoPro & Tire: 403-258-3030
8304 Fairmount Dr, SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0Y8
