Spring Maintenance Tips Every Ontario Driver Should Know
- Shannon Lapointe
- Jan 13
- 5 min read
A Seasonal Guide for Cornwall & SDG Drivers from Seaway GM
After a long Ontario winter, your vehicle has been through a lot. From freezing temperatures and road salt to potholes and heavy snow, winter driving across Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry takes a toll on every vehicle.
Spring is the perfect time to reset, inspect, and prepare your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac for safer, smoother driving in the months ahead.
Whether you’re commuting daily, planning road trips, or simply enjoying better weather, these spring maintenance tips will help protect your investment and keep you confidently on the road.
1. Swap Out Winter Tires and Inspect All-Season Tires
Once temperatures consistently stay above 7°C, it’s time to remove winter tires. Driving on winter tires in warm weather causes faster wear and reduced fuel efficiency.
When switching to all-season or summer tires, be sure to:
Check tread depth and uneven wear
Inspect sidewalls for cracks or bulges
Confirm tire pressure (temperature changes affect PSI)
Rotate tires for even wear
If your tires didn’t survive winter potholes, the Service Team at Seaway GM can help you find the right replacement for your driving needs.
2. Check Brakes After a Harsh Winter
Road salt, moisture, and grit can accelerate brake wear during winter.
Spring is an ideal time for a brake inspection to ensure:
Brake pads and rotors are within safe limits
No corrosion is affecting braking performance
Brake fluid is clean and at proper levels
Squeaking, grinding, or reduced stopping power should never be ignored—especially after winter driving.
3. Inspect Suspension and Alignment
Potholes are unavoidable on Eastern Ontario roads, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. Even minor impacts can knock your vehicle out of alignment or damage suspension components.
Signs you may need an alignment or suspension check include:
Vehicle pulling to one side
Uneven tire wear
Steering wheel vibration
Clunking noises over bumps
A spring alignment helps extend tire life and improves handling and fuel economy.
4. Replace Cabin and Engine Air Filters
Winter grime, salt dust, and debris can clog both your engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Engine air filter: Improves fuel efficiency and engine performance
Cabin air filter: Ensures clean air inside the vehicle and helps HVAC systems work properly
Replacing filters is a simple but effective way to refresh your vehicle for spring.
5. Test the Battery and Electrical System
Cold temperatures are tough on batteries, and many fail once warmer weather arrives.
Have your battery tested for:
Proper voltage
Corrosion on terminals
Secure connections
If your battery is more than 3–5 years old, spring is a smart time to replace it before summer heat causes further strain.
6. Check Fluids and Look for Leaks
Spring maintenance should include a full fluid check:
Engine oil and oil filter
Coolant/antifreeze
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Power steering fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Winter can cause seals and hoses to shrink and crack, leading to leaks that may only become noticeable once temperatures rise.
7. Inspect Wiper Blades and Windshield
Ice, snow, and road salt shorten the lifespan of wiper blades. Streaking or skipping means it’s time for a replacement.
Also check:
Windshield chips or cracks from winter debris
Washer nozzles for clogs
Rear wiper blades (often overlooked)
Clear visibility is essential for spring rain and early-morning drives.
8. Wash, Wax, and Protect Your Vehicle
Road salt doesn’t stop damaging your vehicle once winter ends. A thorough spring wash—especially the undercarriage—helps prevent corrosion.
Consider:
Underbody wash to remove salt buildup
Waxing to protect paint from UV rays
Interior cleaning to remove winter moisture and salt residue
Protecting your vehicle’s exterior helps maintain long-term value.
Trust Seaway GM for Spring Vehicle Maintenance in Cornwall
At Seaway GM in Cornwall, our certified technicians understand the demands of Ontario driving. From seasonal inspections to tire swaps and full maintenance services, we’re here to help keep your vehicle performing at its best.
📍 Proudly serving drivers across Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry
🛠️ Chevrolet • Buick • GMC • Cadillac
📅 Book your spring service appointment today and drive into the new season with confidence.
Spring Inspections Go Beyond the Basics
Spring is more than just a tire change — it’s the ideal time for a spring inspection performed by professional technicians who understand how Ontario winters impact every system of your vehicle. After months of snow routes, residential snow plows, and heavy road salt exposure, components beneath your vehicle deserve close attention.
During routine maintenance, technicians carefully inspect wheel wells, undercarriage components, and the exhaust system, all of which are especially vulnerable to corrosion.
Suspension parts like control arms, as well as brake lines, should also be examined for rust or wear caused by winter moisture and debris.
Catching these issues early helps prevent costly repairs later in the year.
Wheel and Tire Alignment After Winter Roads
Potholes and uneven winter roads can easily throw off your vehicle’s alignment. That’s why Wheel and Tire Alignmentshould be a priority as part of spring service. Poor alignment can cause steering pull, vibration, and uneven tire wear.
Pairing alignment with tire rotations ensures even tread wear and helps extend the life of your tires.
Together, these services improve handling, fuel efficiency, and overall driving confidence — especially as spring travel ramps up across Cornwall and SDG.
Don’t Forget the Fuel System After Winter Storage
Cold temperatures and winter driving conditions can affect your vehicle’s fuel system, particularly if your vehicle sat for extended periods or was driven short distances all winter.
A spring check ensures fuel lines, injectors, and related components are functioning properly, supporting better performance and fuel economy as warmer weather arrives.
Spring Driving Safety Starts With Awareness
As snow melts and roads reopen, driving conditions change quickly. Spring is a time when
street sweeping begins, construction zones reappear, and traffic patterns shift.
Maintaining a safe following distance, obeying the speed limit, and staying alert are critical to avoiding collisions.
Distracted driving and misjudging road conditions are common causes of serious incidents, including head-on collisionsand head-on impact accidents. Slushy shoulders, wet pavement, and leftover debris from winter can reduce control, making defensive driving especially important in early spring.
Protecting Your Vehicle Beyond the Road
Spring is also a good time to review coverage with your Insurance Company, especially as risks shift from winter driving hazards to spring concerns like car theft and natural disasters, including flooding or severe storms.
Many drivers also benefit from added protection such as CAA Protect or similar Roadside Assistance programs.
These services can provide peace of mind through unexpected breakdowns, flat tires, or dead batteries — and often include valuable Travel Benefits for road trips and longer drives as warmer weather returns.
Backed by Canadian Partners You Can Trust
At Seaway GM, our service standards are supported by trusted Canadian Partners who understand local driving conditions and seasonal challenges.
From routine maintenance to detailed spring inspections, our team ensures your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac is ready for the road ahead.
Spring is about moving forward — and making sure your vehicle is prepared to do the same, safely and reliably.
Shannon Lapointe combines her extensive experience as a therapist of 15 years with a robust expertise in social marketing, having successfully run her own company for the past five years. Leveraging her skills in digital communication, Shannon has seamlessly transitioned into roles that enhance online business growth. Currently, she excels as a Website Manager, Content Writer, and Marketing Manager, where she continues to assist businesses in expanding their online presence.
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