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Spring Into Action: Your Complete Car Maintenance Checklist for Lonsdale Auto Works

Preventative Maintenance service at Lonsdale Auto Works in Lonsdale, MN. Image of a gray Chevrolet Trailblazer with its hood open, as a mechanic performs preventative maintenance.

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring heralds a time of renewal and fresh starts. For car owners, it’s also the perfect season to perform essential car maintenance, ensuring your vehicle is ready to tackle the warmer months ahead. At Lonsdale Auto Works in Lonsdale, MN, we’re committed to helping our customers understand the importance of preventative maintenance for their vehicles. Here’s our comprehensive spring car care maintenance checklist, designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

The Importance of Spring Car Maintenance

Winter can be harsh on vehicles. Cold temperatures, ice, and salt can contribute to wear and tear, making spring the ideal time to check in on your car’s condition. Performing these maintenance tasks can prevent costly repairs, improve safety, and enhance your vehicle’s performance.

Your Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

Exterior and Interior Cleaning

Wash and Wax 

Winter driving can leave your car coated in salt and grime, which can lead to rust and corrosion. A thorough wash and wax not only protects your vehicle’s paint but also prevents rust on the undercarriage.

Clean the Interior 

Vacuum the interior to remove debris and salt from the floor mats and seats. Consider a professional detailing service to clean hard-to-reach areas and treat the upholstery.

Tire Maintenance

Tire Pressure Check 

Temperature fluctuations can affect tire pressure. Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear.

Tire Rotation and Alignment 

Rotating your tires can extend their life and improve handling. Check your alignment too, especially if you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side.

Fluid Levels and Filters

Oil and Filter Change 

Regular oil changes are crucial for engine health. Spring is a great time to change your oil and replace the filter, especially after the stress of winter driving.

Check Other Fluids 

Inspect and top up other essential fluids, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.

Air Filter Replacement 

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel efficiency and performance. Check your cabin filter as well to ensure clean air inside your vehicle.

Brake Check 

Winter driving conditions can be tough on brakes. Have your brake pads, rotors, and fluid checked to ensure your braking system is in top condition.

Battery Performance 

Cold weather can drain your battery. Test your battery’s charge and inspect it for signs of wear or corrosion. A weak battery should be replaced.

Belts and Hoses 

Check belts and hoses for cracks, wear, or signs of leaks. Winter temperatures can harden or damage rubber components, leading to potential failures.

Lighting and Wipers

Ensure all exterior lights are working and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Winter can be hard on wiper blades, so replace them if they’re leaving streaks or not clearing the windshield effectively.

HVAC System

Check your air conditioning, especially before the warmer weather sets in. Ensure it’s cooling effectively and inspect the system for any leaks.

Why Choose Lonsdale Auto Works for Your Spring Maintenance?

At Lonsdale Auto Works, we pride ourselves on providing best-in-class auto repair and maintenance services. Our team of skilled mechanics uses modern tools and technology to perform comprehensive vehicle inspections and maintenance tasks. With our commitment to ethics, trustworthiness, and reliability, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.

Our Services Include

  • Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs)
  • Advanced diagnostic tools
  • Loaner cars, pick-up, and drop-off services
  • A 36-month, 36,000-mile nationwide warranty, road hazard tire protection, and emergency roadside assistance through TechNet

Schedule Your Spring Vehicle Maintenance in Lonsdale, MN

Spring into action and get your car ready for the season ahead. Schedule your spring maintenance visit with Lonsdale Auto Works by calling us at 507-744-3304 or visiting our shop at 616 Industrial Drive SE, Lonsdale, MN. For more information, visit our website at https://lonsdaleautoworksinc.com. Let us help you ensure your vehicle is safe, efficient, and ready to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

KC Eyton

Technician

KC Eyton is our Light Duty Auto Technician where she serves in support for our other technicians and provides inspection, maintence and tire services and assists the front counter. KC has been with us since 2021.

WHAT KC LOVES ABOUT WORKING AT LAW:
Being an automotive technician at LAW has allowed me to learn & do what I’m passionate about. I enjoy the fast-paced environment filled with challenges & feeling a sense of accomplishment when I’ve used my knowledge & experience to solve an issue. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people who care about my personal well-being & professional growth. I love how my boss Scott constantly believes in me. He pushes me to take on projects that I think are way beyond my abilities. I am so grateful for the mentorship & support. This truly creates a family environment where everyone is there for each other. I love my job!

Chris Waskosky

Technician

Chris Waskosky is a Master Auto Technician and has an extensive background in vehicle diagnostics, powertrain management systems and electronics. Chris joined our team in 2011. Chris has a lifetime of mechanical experience from vintage steam engines, to carburetors, to the latest in high-tech modern automobile systems.

WHAT CHRIS LOVES ABOUT WORKING AT LAW:
Along with having a fun work environment, I enjoy a variety of jobs I can do. One vehicle may be an oil change, but the next vehicle may be using a lab scope to find a communication problem between computers. Every day brings new vehicles and new challenges.

Denise Davis

Service Manager

Service Manger, Denise Davis joined our team in 2018. Her experience in customer service, retail sales as well as store & employee management is extensive.

Denise has a great ability to transform the complexity of modern automobiles into easy to understand explanations that help bring comfort & confidence to our clients. Whether dealing with a simple oil change or a complete engine replacement, she will take the time to explain the issues in a manner that is understandable and she provides our clients with the information required to help them make an informed decision about their vehicle repairs. She is always willing to help with whatever questions & concerns you may have.

Scott Palava

Owner

Lonsdale Auto Works was founded in 2005 by owner, Scott Pelava.

As an ASE-Certified Master Auto Technician, Advanced Engine Performance Specialist, Undercar Specialist, and Service Consultant, he saw the need for a more modern auto service center in the fast growing community of Lonsdale. A strong background in domestic and import vehicles helped formed the vision of what Lonsdale Auto Works is today.

Starting with one apprentice, he built a reputation for quality service and fair pricing. As the need arose, additional technicians joined his team to keep up with our customers’ need for fast, quality service.

Scott is also very active in the community. He is currently in his fourth term as a Lonsdale City Council Member. He has held numerous leadership positions with the local Boy Scout Troop and at the District and Council levels. He is the Past President of the Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Lonsdale Lions Club.

Scott has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to the auto repair industry. In 2017 he founded ASOG (Auto Shop Owners Group) in an effort to provide support to other repair shop owners. The organization has grown to the largest in the world. As a result, Scott was named in the Top 100 People in World the Automotive & Transportation as well as listed in the Marquis Who’s Who of Business in America.