From Snow to Slush to Sunshine: How Spring Weather Impacts Your Car’s Performance in Boulder County
As the snow melts into thick, wet slush, Boulder begins its stunning transformation. Green foothills reemerge, bikes return to the trails, the air fills with the scent of fresh rain and blooming flowers, and sunshine finally stretches beyond the workday. But while spring is a welcome sight, it brings a unique set of changes for your car. If you’re feeling the itch to roll the windows down and cruise up to Flagstaff—or just get through your daily commute without surprises—now’s the time to check how winter left your vehicle. At Pellman’s Automotive, we specialize in keeping Boulder cars running smoothly through all four of Colorado’s dramatic seasons. Here’s how spring weather impacts your vehicle’s performance—and what you can do to stay ahead.
Suspension Shock: What Winter Leaves Behind
Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles leave more than puddles in their wake—they leave potholes, and plenty of them. Boulder County roads can take a serious beating in winter, and your suspension system often takes the hit.
- Feeling every bump? That could be worn-out shocks or struts.
- Does your car drift when turning or feel unstable at higher speeds? That’s a sign your alignment or suspension might be out of spec.
As a trusted automotive suspension shop in Boulder, we recommend a full suspension inspection in early spring. Left unchecked, suspension issues can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and long-term damage to your steering components.
Warm Weather, Weak A/C? Get Ahead of the Heat
In Boulder, we know spring doesn't play by the rules. An 88-degree day today can be a high of 70 tomorrow. That kind of quick swing in temps means your car's A/C needs to be ready at a moment’s notice. If your air conditioning hasn’t seen much action over the winter, now’s the perfect time to give it a test—before you find yourself stuck in traffic on Foothills Parkway with nothing but hot air blowing through the vents. Common spring A/C issues:
- Low refrigerant from slow winter leaks
- Mold or musty smells from trapped moisture
- Compressor strain from dried-out seals
Our ASE certified techs at Pellman’s Automotive can run diagnostics, check refrigerant levels, and get your system ready to keep you cool when you need it most.
Why Spring is Prime Time for Auto Diagnostics
Winter isn’t just hard on your suspension and A/C—it’s rough on your engine, too. Extreme temperatures, short trips, and road salt can create the perfect storm for sensor issues and hidden wear. If you’ve seen a check engine light or your car feels sluggish, it’s time for a comprehensive diagnostic check. Our advanced auto diagnostics tools can detect:
- Ignition and misfire issues
- Fuel system inefficiencies
- Emission system failures
- Battery and charging problems
If ignored, these small problems often become big ones. Spring is the perfect season to address them before summer road trips and mountain drives.
Spring Vehicle Health Checklist for Boulder Drivers
Whether you’re planning a getaway to Estes or just enjoying the sunshine along the Diagonal, here’s what we recommend every Boulder driver check each spring:
- Suspension and alignment
- Air conditioning system
- Brake performance
- Fluid levels and condition
- Battery health
- Tire pressure and tread depth
At Pellman’s Automotive, we offer all of the above with the quality, transparency, and care you’ve come to expect from a local, family-owned shop that’s proudly served Boulder for over 30 years. And don’t forget to check out our current specials—we often feature seasonal deals to help you save on the services your car needs most this time of year. Whether it's diagnostics, suspension, or A/C service, we've got you (and your vehicle) covered.
Spring in Boulder is Beautiful—Make Sure Your Car Enjoys It Too
Spring in Boulder County brings a sense of renewal—not just for nature but for your car, too. From the lingering winter snow and slush to the fresh sunshine, your vehicle experiences as many seasonal shifts as you do. By giving it the care it needs now, you’ll avoid unexpected repairs and make the most of everything spring in Colorado has to offer. Let Pellman’s help you make the seasonal transition with confidence.
Call us or
schedule your appointment online today—and get back to enjoying the road, worry-free.
