What lies underneath – Chassis maintenance tips

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Spring is here and it’s time to take your car out for a nice drive in the welcoming spring weather. Before you set off, it is wise to assess any impact or damage to your car from the winter months and give your car a ‘spa treatment’ to get it up and running.

 

 

It is always a good idea to give your car an inspection on a regular basis as a preventative measure. Since winter months are especially harsh on your roadside companion, getting your car checked out towards the start of spring is always recommended.

When it comes to self-inspection, it seems that the car’s chassis is one of the most overlooked parts of the vehicle. The chassis or undercarriage is the skeletal frame on which parts like the engine, tires, wheel axles, and brakes are bolted. As the backbone of the vehicle, the chassis carries the vehicle’s weight and is instrumental in providing strength and stability as the vehicle moves and operates.

 

 

As it is considered to be one of the most important components of a motor vehicle, the chassis can cause serious problems if neglected for a long period of time. Let’s learn about chassis upkeep and ways to maintain under-vehicle parts in tip top shape! 

 

Look for Rust

 

 

Road salt and the snow and sleet from winter months causes rust to build up on the underside of your vehicle. Rust and other corrosion fundamentally weaken and erode the platform of a car. In order to prevent this, it is important to wash your vehicle regularly and wax it prior to any wet season. Rust preventing treatments and coating are also available for added protection.

 

Lubricate

 

 

While Kia cars roll off the assembly line well-greased and lubricated, automobile lubricants can dry up over time. This not only results in unpleasant NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) while driving but also causes mechanical parts of your vehicle to eventually wear out and fail.

 Chassis lubricant is inexpensive and lubrication is simple enough to be easily performed at home. Some chassis grease or a couple cans of aerosol lubricant will keep your car running safe and smooth.

 

Check Suspension and Alignment

Rough road conditions during the winter can often knock wheel alignment out of place. Realigning the wheels and suspension before a long drive or a road trip will improve fuel economy and vehicle control on the road. It also prevents tire wear and noise and vibration issues, making your car safer and more enjoyable to drive.

 

 

The only way to know if your chassis alignment is correct is to have it checked at a service center. Because spring is a recommended time to have you vehicle looked at to assess the wear and tear from the winter months, it is a good idea to get thorough examination of the chassis as well.

 

 

With these few tips on chassis maintenance, your car will be read to go for spring. Always keep in mind that the first fundamental requirement for driving and road trips is safety. After all, safety never goes out of season!

 

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