Check Your Tires — All Four, Not Just a Glance
Winter driving shifts your tire pressure constantly as temperatures bounce around. Now that it's stabilizing, check your PSI with an actual gauge. Most delivery vans run 35–45 PSI depending on load — check the sticker inside your driver's door for the spec.
While you're down there, look at tread depth and the sidewalls. Winter roads are brutal on rubber. If your tires survived but the tread is close to the wear indicators, spring is the right time to address it before you're doing it in the middle of a busy season. Check for uneven wear too — that tells you something about alignment or inflation habits over the winter.
If you had winter tires on, now's the time to swap back to all-seasons. Running winters through summer kills them fast and reduces fuel efficiency.
Brakes — Don't Wait for the Squeal
Brake pads wear faster in winter. Road salt accelerates rotor surface corrosion, and constant stopping in cold weather adds stress. You don't need a mechanic to do a first-pass check — pop off a wheel if you can, or just listen and feel.
Signs your brakes need attention before spring routes heat up: squealing or grinding on initial stops in the morning, vibration in the pedal when braking, the van pulling to one side when you brake, or a longer stopping distance than you're used to.
If any of those are present, get it looked at before you're on a tight route with no margin.
Fluids — Quick Check, Real Payoff
Cold weather thickens fluids and puts strain on seals. With the engine warmed up (not hot), walk through the basics.
Coolant: Check the reservoir level. Coolant that's dark brown or has visible debris should be flushed — overheating on a warm day with a heavy load is preventable.
Windshield washer fluid: Switch out your winter mix for a summer-rated one. The winter formulas aren't designed for bug splatter and road grime in warmer weather.
Engine oil: If you're close to your change interval, do it now. Clean oil going into a high-mileage spring season is always worth it.
AC and Cabin Air Filter
Nothing slows down a day faster than a van with no working AC when it's 85 degrees. Turn it on now, while the weather is still mild, and let it run for a few minutes. If it's blowing warm air or not cycling properly, you've got time to address it before you actually need it.
Check the cabin air filter while you're at it. After a winter of recycled air and dust, a fresh filter makes a real difference — especially if you're loading and unloading all day.
Wiper Blades and Lights
Winter wiper blades streak. Spring brings its own rain, so this is the exact right time to replace them if they're not clearing properly. It's a small fix that you'll thank yourself for on the first rainy delivery day.
Do a full walk-around on your lights. Brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights. Have someone stand outside while you run through them, or back up to a wall to check the reverse lights yourself. A broken brake light is a ticket waiting to happen.
Spring is the easiest time to catch maintenance issues because the weather isn't fighting you and you're not already behind schedule. At JWA Logistics, we want every driver starting the season in a vehicle they trust — because a reliable van means a predictable route and getting home safe every day.