Skip to content

Notice to CAA Members in Ottawa: we’re making it easier to get travel advice, insurance coverage, and Membership services by combining our resources and merging CAA Hunt Club with CAA Nepean effective Apr. 15, 2024. Click here for more details.

man checking oil in car

5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

When the weather warms, you might already be dreaming about future road trips. But there are a few things you should do first. After a long and cold winter, your vehicle could use some maintenance.

Here are five things to do to get your car ready for spring:

1. Swap Your Tires 

Once the snow is gone and the temperature is consistently above 7°C, it is time to replace your winter tires. Switching to summer and all-season tires will give you better traction on snow-free roads, making your vehicle safer to drive.

But there is no need for you to do the swap yourself. Instead, CAA Members in select regions of Greater Ottawa, Ottawa Valley, Sudbury and Thunder Bay can use CAA Mobile Tire Service and get their tires changed right at home.

Changing tire on vehicle

2. Test Your Car Battery

Winter’s freezing temperatures can be tough on a battery. If you are in need of a new car battery or auto parts, Members SAVE 10% at NAPA Auto Parts Canada.

To protect yourself from future headaches, like a car that won’t start, book an at home battery test with CAA’s Mobile Battery Service. A simple battery check can prevent you from being stranded in an empty parking lot. Most car batteries last between three to five years. The service includes testing of your charging system, the battery installation and recycling of your old battery - a savings of up to $270!

3. Wash Away Road Salt

Spring cleaning shouldn't be limited to just your home. After winter is over, it is time to detail your vehicle as part of your regular maintenance. Deep cleaning your car’s interior prevents dust from causing wear and tear, and removes old stubborn stains from your dashboards, mats or leather seats. CAA's Mobile Auto Detailing offers two types of detailing package and is only available in Ottawa.

You can also conveniently clean away the exterior salt buildup and leave your vehicle shinning by heading to a Shell Station and SAVE 10% on car washes at participating locations.

women fueling vehicle

4. Fuel Up for Road Trips

Keep your car road trip ready by fueling up at your nearest Shell Station, where you can SAVE 3¢/L at participating locations. Plus, you can stock up on all your favourite snacks and SAVE 10% on in-store purchases. Conditions apply at participating stores.

5. Top-up Fluids

It is a good idea to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule when determining when to have your oil changed.

If you live in Ottawa, you can get your oil changed conveniently at home with CAA's Mobile Oil Change. Members SAVE 10% on mobile detailing.

When you book your spring check-up to top up fluids, take advantage of CAA Member Benefits by finding the automotive partners closest to your home.


Life moves fast and so does CAA Pit Crew.

Get your car spring ready right at home with CAA.

Book Your Pit Crew Service Now