Spring Car Prep 101
Fluids, tires, brakes, and everything else you should check before hitting the road
Ah, spring—the season of renewal, warmer days, and finally getting your beloved sports car back on the road. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been daydreaming about those perfect driving days, carving up your favorite roads with the windows down and the engine singing. But before you go full-throttle into the season, let’s talk about something a little less exciting (but just as important): making sure your car is actually ready for action.
Winter hibernation can do strange things to a car, and the last thing you want is to start the season with a mechanical hiccup—or worse, an unexpected roadside breakdown. So, let’s go over the essential steps to get your sports car prepped and primed for a glorious driving season ahead.
Give It a Thorough Look-Over (aka The Walk-Around Ritual)
Before diving under the hood, start with a simple walk-around inspection. Look for anything unusual—leaks under the car, low tires, or any signs that your ride isn’t as pristine as when you parked it for winter. If your car has been stored outside, check for unwelcome visitors (mice love engine bays and wire insulation).
A quick once-over can save you a lot of headaches down the road. And if something looks off? Time to investigate.
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Tire Check: Because Squishy Tires Don’t Grip Well
Cold weather can be cruel to your tires. Pressure drops when temperatures dip, and sitting in one spot for months can lead to flat spots. Before you hit the road, do the following:
Check the pressure and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Inspect for cracks or dry rot, especially if your tires are aging.
Consider a quick drive to see if those flat spots work themselves out—if not, you might need a new set.
Track junkies, check your tread—you might be due for a fresh set of performance rubber.
Tire age, check the age of your tires, too. If there are 5+ years old, time to replace regardless of remaining tread. Use this link to learn how to tell the age of your tires.
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Fluids: Your Car’s Version of Morning Coffee
Fluids are the lifeblood of your engine, and stale, low, or dirty fluids spell trouble. Here’s your checklist:
Oil and filter: Even if you changed it before storage, double-check the level and condition.
Coolant: A quick peek at the reservoir will tell you if you're topped off.
Brake fluid: If it looks dark or you haven’t changed it in a couple of years, a flush is a good idea—especially for spirited driving. Here, I recommend changing to a racing fluid or similar that has a higher boiling point that OEM fluid. Most of the time when drivers lose brakes in the mountains it is because the fluid overheats.
Transmission and differential fluids: Not an everyday check, but if you’re overdue, spring is a great time to refresh.
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Battery: Dead Batteries Don’t Rev
Batteries don’t love sitting idle. If you used a trickle charger over winter, you’re probably in good shape. If not, you may be met with the dreaded “click” instead of that glorious engine roar.
Check the voltage—a healthy battery should read around 12.6V when the car is off and 13.7-14.7V when running.
Look for corrosion—clean any nasty buildup on the terminals with a wire brush.
Replace if needed—batteries typically last 3-5 years, so if yours is on the older side, consider a fresh one.
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Brakes: Because Stopping is Just as Important as Going
If your car sat in a damp garage all winter, rust may have started forming on the rotors. Light surface rust will usually clear up with some gentle braking, but if you hear grinding or feel vibrations, it’s time for a deeper inspection.
Check brake pads—are they worn or cracking?
Look for fluid leaks—moisture in the system isn’t your friend.
Give them a few test stops before really leaning into them.
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Suspension and Alignment: The Unsung Heroes of Handling
Nothing kills the joy of a good driving road like vague, sloppy steering. After a season of sitting, your suspension components and alignment may need a quick check.
Look for leaks in shocks or struts.
Make sure the steering feels tight. If it’s wandering, you may need an alignment.
Listen for clunks or creaks. These can indicate worn bushings or ball joints.
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The $200-$300 Well-Spent: A Professional Inspection
Even if you’re a hands-on car owner, having a professional give your car a once-over can provide peace of mind. A pre-season inspection at a trusted shop can catch potential issues you might miss—things like minor leaks, worn belts, or failing sensors. For a few hundred bucks, it’s well worth the assurance that your car is in top form.
Clean It! Because Your Car Deserves to Shine
A deep clean isn’t just for looks—it also helps preserve your car’s condition. Wash off any winter grime, pay attention to the undercarriage, and treat the paint to a good wax or ceramic coat. And don’t forget the interior—because nothing ruins a great drive like a musty-smelling cabin
Insurance and Registration: Avoid the Oh-Crap Moment
If you paused or downgraded your insurance over winter, now’s the time to reinstate full coverage. Also, double-check your registration and inspection stickers—getting pulled over because you forgot to renew is a buzzkill.
First Drive: Take It Easy
You’re itching to push that accelerator, but before you go full send, ease into the season:
Start with a short drive—get everything warmed up and listen for anything unusual.
Check for leaks when you park.
Re-torque the wheels if they were off for winter storage. Check your owners manual for the correct torque value.
Recalibrate yourself! Just like your car, your skills might need a little warm-up.
Ready, Set, Go!
Prepping your sports car for spring isn’t just about avoiding issues—it’s about setting yourself up for an entire season of great drives. Take the time to check the details now, and you’ll be rewarded with confidence and uninterrupted seat time later.
Now, get out there and enjoy the drive!