PARTNER ARTICLE: Home & Car Spring Maintenance Tips

At BrokerLink, we’re always hoping for an early Spring! We’ve put together some tips to help you get ready for the season ahead.

For your home

Check your vents and filters. Replace or clean the furnace filter. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of the heating/cooling system, increasing costs and the risk of fire. It’s a good idea to also check your dryer vent for lint buildup.
Inspect your roof. Before winter snow turns into spring showers inspect your roof for any noticeable damage. Any shingles missing? Chimney cracks? Ensure that you complete any repairs necessary to avoid future issues.
Test your alarms. These should be tested monthly, but seasonally is a good reminder to ensure your smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms are in good working order, replace batteries if needed, and replace any detectors that are older than five years or not functioning properly.

Fix any cracks in your foundation and exterior. Inspect brickwork, siding and stucco for chipping or cracking. If there’s water penetration, seal with an appropriate sealant. If left alone, these cracks will continue to grow and can cause extensive and expensive damage to your home.

Clean your gutters and downspouts. Your home’s gutter system directs rainwater away from your roofline and protects your home’s roof, walls, and foundation from damage. Every season, you should make sure to clear away debris and inspect for any leaks caused by ice dams in the winter.

If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s operating correctly. If you don’t have one, spending money on one could save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is developed.

For your car

Check your tires. Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so ensure all tires (including the spare) are inflated to their recommended pressure. Ensure tires are properly aligned and balanced and inspect them for tread wear and other damage. If you’ve been driving on winter tires, change them once you’re sure the snow is gone.

Windshields. During the winter when sand and rocks are used on icy roads, motorists often end up with chips and cracks in their windshields. Although these may not seem like a big deal, any damage to your windshield can decrease the overall effectiveness of airbags, seatbelts, roof stability, and your personal safety in the event of an accident. If your windshield has a crack, it’s important to have it repaired or replaced immediately.

Check your vehicle’s fluids. Check your power steering, brake, and transmission fluids, your windshield washer fluid, and your coolant. If the levels are low, top them up, and flush/replace them as recommended in your owner’s manual.

Get an oil change. Change your oil and oil filter to ensure you’re keeping your engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even severe engine damage.

Read about our spring maintenance tips for your summer toys here.

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Contact BrokerLink: 1.833.998.3798, or visit BrokerLink.ca/UMNB