Spring Maintenance Checklist
April 04 2026,
BC winters are harder on vehicles than most drivers give them credit for. By the time April arrives, your car has been through wet roads, road salt, cold starts, and months of wet braking. Here is what to check before the summer driving season begins from Morrey Nissan of Burnaby.
BC winters are harder on vehicles than most drivers give them credit for. Wet roads, road salt, cold starts, and months of wet braking add up. By the time April arrives, your vehicle has been through a lot and some of that wear is not visible until you look for it. Here is what to check now before the summer driving season starts.
Check Your Tires First
This is the most important item on the list. If you are still on winter tires, now is the time to switch. The rubber compound in winter tires wears significantly faster once temperatures consistently stay above 7 degrees Celsius, and handling becomes noticeably less precise on warm, dry pavement.
When you swap to all-seasons or summer tires, check the tread depth and look for cracking, bubbling, or uneven wear. Uneven wear often points to an alignment or inflation issue that should be addressed at the same time. Morrey Nissan of Burnaby offers tire service and can inspect your set while completing the changeover.
Inspect Your Brakes
Wet winter driving is harder on brake pads than dry summer conditions. If you notice any squealing, grinding, or increased stopping distance, book a brake inspection before driving on summer roads. Brake pads should ideally be checked at every tire changeover. Rotors should also be inspected for corrosion, which is common after a season of wet driving in BC.
Check All Fluid Levels
After winter, run through every fluid in the vehicle:
- Engine oil - if you are approaching your next oil change interval, spring is a good time to handle it
- Coolant - check the level and condition, especially if the system has not been flushed recently
- Brake fluid - absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point
- Windshield washer fluid - replace winter-rated fluid with a standard or summer-rated formula
- Power steering and transmission fluid - check levels and look for any discolouration
Test Your Battery
Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity significantly, and a battery that was marginal going into winter may be struggling by spring. If your battery is three or more years old, have it tested. A battery test takes a few minutes and gives you a clear read on remaining capacity before a failure catches you off guard.
Look for Underbody Corrosion and Damage
Road salt and wet debris accumulate under the vehicle through the winter months. A visual inspection of the undercarriage, wheel wells, and frame can catch surface corrosion before it progresses. Look also for any loose heat shields, damaged suspension components, or cracked rubber boots on CV joints and steering components. Catching these early is significantly cheaper than addressing them after they fail.
Check Wiper Blades and Exterior Seals
Winter wiper blades are designed for snow and ice, not spring rain. If yours are streaking or skipping, replace them before the spring rain season picks up. Inspect door seals and window seals for cracking or gaps that may have developed over winter. A leaking seal can allow moisture into the cabin and cause interior damage over time.
Book Your Spring Service Appointment
Working through this list on your own is a good starting point, but a technician inspection covers what is harder to see from the driveway. Morrey Nissan of Burnaby's service team can run through a full multi-point inspection and address any items that need attention.
Book your spring service appointment online or call us at Morrey Nissan of Burnaby to get your vehicle ready for the season ahead.
