The Most Common Springtime Car Issues And How to Avoid Them

As winter fades and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the open road, and give your car a little extra attention. But while spring brings sunshine and milder temperatures, it also brings a new set of challenges for your vehicle. Seasonal shifts can lead to unexpected car issues that, if left unaddressed, may affect your safety and your wallet. 

At Mighty Auto Pro, we’ve seen firsthand how spring can impact your vehicle—and we know how to help you avoid the most common issues before they turn into major problems.

Pothole Damage

Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles often leave behind cracked roads and potholes, which can do serious damage to your suspension, alignment, and tires. If you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side, vibrating at higher speeds, or your steering feels off, it’s time to have your alignment and suspension checked.

How to avoid it: Drive cautiously around pothole-prone areas, especially in the early weeks of spring, and maintain proper tire pressure to absorb minor impacts more effectively.

Worn or Damaged Tires

Tires take a beating during winter. Between cold temperatures, icy roads, and salt exposure, your tread may be more worn down than you think. Worn tires can lead to poor traction, especially on rainy spring roads.

How to avoid it: Inspect your tire tread and sidewalls for wear or cracks. Rotate your tires if needed, and consider switching from winter to all-season tires. Don’t forget to check and adjust your tire pressure—it tends to fluctuate with rising temperatures.

Battery Trouble

Cold weather can strain your car battery, and by spring, it may be weakened or close to dying. If you notice slow engine cranks or dimming interior lights, your battery might be on its last legs.

How to avoid it: Have your battery tested in early spring to make sure it’s holding a charge. Cleaning off corrosion and checking the terminals can also help improve performance and extend battery life.

Failing Wiper Blades and Windshield Visibility

Your wipers worked hard all winter, clearing off snow, ice, and salt. By spring, they’re often cracked, squeaky, or streaking your windshield—just in time for those seasonal showers.

How to avoid it: Replace your wiper blades and top off your windshield washer fluid. While you’re at it, clean your windshield inside and out to improve visibility.

Air Conditioning Issues

You may not have used your A/C much over the winter, which means spring is when problems tend to show up. If your air conditioning blows warm air, smells strange, or doesn’t kick on at all, there could be a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor.

How to avoid it: Test your air conditioning early in the season. If it doesn’t seem to be working properly, bring your car in for an inspection before the summer heat sets in.

Brake Wear and Tear

Salt, moisture, and cold weather can be hard on your brake system. Rust buildup or worn pads can lead to decreased stopping power or noisy brakes.

How to avoid it: Have your brakes inspected for wear, rust, and proper function. If you hear squealing, grinding, or feel vibrations when braking, don’t wait to get them checked.

Get Your Car Spring-Ready with Mighty Auto Pro

Spring is the perfect time to give your car the attention it deserves. A quick seasonal inspection can help you catch small issues early and avoid bigger problems down the road. At Mighty Auto Pro, we offer comprehensive spring maintenance services to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently all season long. Schedule your spring check-up today and drive into the season with confidence!