Your Car Survived Winter. Here’s How to Fix the Damage You Can’t See.

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – March 26, 2026 – As warmer weather finally begins to melt the last remnants of a punishing winter, drivers are emerging from months of navigating snow, ice, and treacherous roads. While the change of season is a welcome relief, your vehicle may be harboring hidden damage. In response, global automotive services leader Holman has issued a comprehensive spring tune-up checklist, urging car owners to address the unseen toll of winter before minor issues escalate into expensive, dangerous failures.

The advisory comes after a winter season that, while varied, delivered significant weather events across the country. NOAA’s 2025-2026 winter outlook, influenced by a La Niña pattern, brought cooler, wetter conditions and heavy snowfall to parts of the northern U.S., including blizzards in the Midwest and Northeast. Even regions with milder overall temperature forecasts were not immune to severe, localized events like the ice storms mentioned in Florida. This combination of conditions has created a perfect storm for vehicle wear and tear.

“Severe weather can take a significant toll on your vehicle and after an especially harsh winter across much of the country...most vehicles are likely in need of a thorough maintenance check,” said Salvo Sparacio, Holman’s Senior Vice President of Aftersales. “Giving your vehicle a spring tune-up allows you to address minor repairs before they become a bigger issue, helping you avoid expensive surprises down the road.”

The Winter's Assault on Your Vehicle

Months of freezing temperatures, corrosive road treatments, and pothole-ridden streets inflict a unique brand of punishment on cars. The damage is often gradual and easy to ignore, but its consequences can be severe. Road salt, a savior for icy roads, is a primary villain, aggressively corroding a vehicle's undercarriage, brake lines, exhaust system, and even its frame. This silent rusting process can compromise critical components long before it becomes visually apparent.

Cold temperatures also directly impact performance. A car battery can lose up to 35% of its power when the thermometer hits freezing, and over 60% at 0°F, forcing it to work overtime just to start the engine. This sustained strain can significantly shorten its lifespan. Meanwhile, vital fluids like engine oil and transmission fluid thicken in the cold, reducing their ability to lubricate and protect moving parts upon startup.

The most visible legacy of winter is often the state of the roads. The constant freeze-thaw cycle creates a minefield of potholes and cracks. Each jarring impact sends a shockwave through the suspension system, potentially knocking wheels out of alignment, damaging shocks and struts, and accelerating tire wear.

A Proactive Driver's Spring Checklist

Holman's checklist provides a systematic approach to diagnosing and rectifying winter-related issues. It’s a roadmap for moving from reactive repairs to proactive care, focusing on five critical areas.

Check Alignment: Hitting even one deep pothole can be enough to throw off a vehicle's alignment. Symptoms include the car pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel, or uneven tire wear. Proper alignment is not just about handling; it’s essential for safety, fuel economy, and maximizing the life of your tires, which can cost hundreds of dollars to replace prematurely.

Inspect Windshield & Wiper Blades: A winter of scraping ice and running wipers over gritty slush takes its toll. Check the windshield for any small chips or cracks that can quickly spread with temperature fluctuations, potentially requiring a costly full replacement, especially on modern cars with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) embedded in the glass. Worn, chattering wiper blades compromise visibility in spring showers and should be replaced.

Test Vehicle’s Battery: After working hard all winter, the battery needs a health check. A professional test can determine its remaining life and charging capability. If the engine has been slow to turn over, it’s a clear warning sign. A proactive replacement is far less disruptive and expensive than being stranded by a dead battery.

Monitor Tire Pressure & Wear: Temperature swings directly affect tire pressure, which can impact fuel efficiency, handling, and longevity. Check the pressure in all four tires (and the spare) and inspect the tread for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear, which could point to the aforementioned alignment issues. Look for punctures or embedded objects from winter road debris.

Brake Inspection: The combination of moisture and road salt is incredibly corrosive to brake components. A thorough inspection can catch thinning brake pads, rusted rotors, or compromised brake lines before they lead to reduced stopping power or complete failure. Addressing these issues early prevents more complex and expensive repairs to the entire brake system.

The Economics of Preventative Care

While taking a vehicle in for service may seem like another expense, industry data overwhelmingly shows that preventative maintenance is one of the most effective cost-saving measures a car owner can take. According to a 2023 AAA report, the average annual cost of vehicle maintenance is around $1,475. This planned expense pales in comparison to the cost of catastrophic failure. A neglected coolant leak, for instance, can lead to an overheated engine requiring thousands of dollars in repairs, whereas routine checks can catch the leak when it's a minor fix.

Consider the alignment: a service that might cost around $140 at a dealership like Holman Motors Inc. can prevent the premature replacement of a set of tires costing $600 to $1,000 or more. Similarly, a simple battery test is often free or low-cost, while an unexpected failure can involve towing fees, emergency replacement costs, and lost time. By investing in seasonal inspections, drivers are effectively buying insurance against larger, unforeseen expenses and protecting the resale value of their vehicle.

A Century of Automotive Guidance

Holman's public service campaign is consistent with its long history and industry position. Founded in 1924 as a single Ford dealership in New Jersey, the company has grown over a century into a global, family-owned automotive leader with over 10,000 employees. Its diverse operations—spanning from retail sales and fleet management to commercial vehicle manufacturing and powertrain logistics—give it a uniquely comprehensive perspective on vehicle health and longevity. The spring checklist is an extension of its 'Driving What’s Right' philosophy, leveraging its expertise to benefit the everyday driver.

This strategy is also a hallmark of a competitive industry. Major service providers like Pep Boys and Meineke also run robust spring maintenance campaigns, recognizing the clear seasonal needs of vehicles and the opportunity to build customer trust. By proactively offering this guidance, Holman not only reinforces its brand as a trusted authority but also empowers drivers to make informed decisions that enhance safety and preserve the value of one oftheir most significant assets.