Iowa winters are no joke. Between subzero wind chills, icy roads, sloppy snowstorms, and constant exposure to road salt, your vehicle takes a beating from December through March. Once spring returns, it’s the perfect time to undo winter’s damage and make sure your car is safe, reliable, and ready for warm-weather driving.

At Motor Inn of Carroll, we help Iowa drivers keep their Toyotas, Chevrolets, and all makes and models running their best. Here’s the essential spring car care checklist our team recommends after a harsh Iowa winter.

1. Test & Inspect the Battery

Cold temperatures drain battery power faster than you might expect. If your vehicle sat outside, wasn’t driven frequently, or endured long periods of below-zero temps, the battery may have lost a significant amount of charge.

The start of spring is an ideal time to have a professional check:

• Charge capacity

• Voltage output

• Overall battery health

• Corrosion on terminals

At Motor Inn of Carroll, our technicians will perform a full diagnostic test and let you know if your battery is still dependable or if a replacement is a smarter choice. Most car batteries only last around 5 years, even with light usage, so spring is a good reminder to evaluate its age and condition.

2. Inspect Tires, Wheels & Alignment

Winter driving is hard on your tires — especially when you’re navigating frozen slush, deep potholes, or snow-packed side streets.

This spring, be sure to:

• Swap out winter tires for all-season or summer tires

• Check tread depth to ensure safe stopping distance on rainy roads

• Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear

• Confirm proper tire pressure

Potholes and curb bumps can also knock your wheels out of alignment. Poor alignment affects handling, reduces fuel economy, and can cause premature tire wear. Our team at Motor Inn of Carroll can rotate your tires, balance the wheels, and perform a complete alignment to ensure a smooth, safe ride.

3. Service the Air Conditioning System

You’ve probably barely touched your A/C since last fall, and dust, debris, or low refrigerant may prevent it from cooling properly once spring and summer temperatures rise.

During an A/C service appointment, Motor Inn of Carroll can:

• Recharge refrigerant

• Inspect and treat A/C lines and seals

• Test the blower motor

• Replace the cabin air filter

• Check for odor-causing buildup in the ventilation system

A properly functioning A/C isn’t just about comfort — it also helps defog your windshield during spring rainstorms.

On topic: Maintenance Tips for High-Mileage Vehicles

4. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly (Inside & Out)

Iowa’s heavy road salt is notorious for causing rust, corrosion, and discoloration on both the exterior and underbody of vehicles. As spring arrives, give your vehicle a deep clean to remove all that leftover salt.

Exterior cleaning tips:

• Use a car wash that sprays the undercarriage

• Pay special attention to wheel wells, rocker panels, and the lower doors

• Apply a protective coat of wax to shield your paint from spring rain and debris

Interior cleaning tips:

• Remove floor mats and spray them down

• Vacuum salt and dirt out of the footwells

• Clean door sills where salt tends to accumulate

• Condition leather seats that may have dried out in the cold

A thorough cleaning not only protects your investment but also helps prevent long-term rust damage.

5. Get a Brake System Inspection

Road salt + moisture = brake wear.

Rust can build up on brake rotors and calipers during the winter months, especially when your car is exposed to slushy conditions. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel vibration in the pedal, you may already have brake wear issues — but even if everything seems normal, it’s smart to get them checked.

Examples of a spring brake inspection at Motor Inn of Carroll could include:

• Measuring brake pad thickness

• Inspecting rotors for rust or scoring

• Checking brake fluid levels and condition

• Evaluating hardware for corrosion

Safe braking performance is vital as wet spring roads can reduce traction.

6. Look Over Fluids, Filters & Suspension Components

Winter driving stress can cause fluids and mechanical systems to degrade more quickly than normal.

During a spring service appointment, you may want to have these checked:

• Engine oil and filter

• Coolant level and condition

• Transmission fluid

• Brake fluid

• Power steering fluid

• Shocks and struts (winter potholes can cause leaks or damage)

If your vehicle has passed certain mileage intervals — such as 90,000 or 120,000 miles — replacing fluids or worn components may be necessary to maintain long-term reliability.

Get Your Car Spring-Ready at Motor Inn of Carroll

Your vehicle works hard to get you through an Iowa winter — give it the TLC it deserves this spring. The certified technicians at Motor Inn of Carroll can inspect your car from bumper to bumper to identify any winter-related issues and help extend the life of your Toyota, Chevrolet, or any other vehicle.

Schedule your spring service appointment today or call (712) 522-2526, and drive into the new season with confidence.

Shop New & Used Toyotas & Chevrolets

Looking to trade in your vehicle or shop for a new one? Check out our new Chevrolets and Toyotas that are fresh on the lot, or browse our used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.

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