Winter is a taxing season on both man and machine. What does this mean for drivers? Come spring, just like the natural world, your car is likely in need of rejuvenation.

A well-maintained car is a safe car, which is what you’ll need for springtime driving. Spring showers make for slippery roads and the potholes that began forming over winter will come to bloom once the weather turns.

Car maintenance should be done year-round, but there are certain aspects to pay particular attention to when spring arrives. Whether tackling these car-care tasks yourself or leaving it to the professionals at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, here’s how to get your car ready for spring.

Test Your Car Battery

Car batteries work harder to power vehicles during the winter, which means they are often taxed come springtime. The best way to maintain your car battery is to take longer drives (approximately 30 minutes) on a regular basis. These trips allow the battery to regain its charge. You should also make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of any corrosion. Corroded terminals prevent the flow of electricity.

Roughly one-quarter of all roadside assistance calls AAA Northeast receives are battery related. Don’t wait until you need a jump – get your battery tested by AAA today.

Wash Your Car

Don’t forget to include your car on your spring cleaning to-do list. Snow, ice and salt can leave your car looking worse for the wear, especially if you didn’t wash it in the winter.

Washing your car may seem straightforward enough, but there is a right way to do it. Improper washing is not only ineffective, but it could also cause you to damage your vehicle. Follow this guide to get the job done properly, a process that includes using the two-bucket method and a microfiber cloth.

Once you’re done washing, consider applying a coat of wax. This extra step gives the car’s paint a protective coat and leaves it with a good-as-new shine.

Don’t Forget Car Fluids

One of the most common car care mistakes motorists make is ignoring their vehicle’s fluids. The most notable of these is engine oil. Clean oil extends the life of your vehicle and helps with engine cooling, so make sure to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s time or mileage recommendations.

But engine oil isn’t the only fluid to keep an eye on when ticking off your spring car care checklist. Coolant, transmission, brake and power-steering fluids should be checked regularly. They can become ineffective if they get contaminated or the levels drop too low.

Check Your Tires

Winter takes a toll on car tires on multiple fronts, especially when it comes to air pressure. Tires will lose roughly 1 pound per square inch of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Low tire pressure causes gas mileage to drop and can be a safety hazard. Underinflated tires make it more difficult to steer and stop and can lead to a blowout. Make sure to test your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level.

Rough winter roads can also wear away the tire’s tread. Proper tire maintenance includes ensuring there is more than 4/32 of an inch of tread on each tire. A quick and easy test is to insert a quarter upside down (Washington’s head first) into the tread. If the tread does not reach the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. While you’re inspecting the tires, look for cracks, cuts, chips or dry rot.

And don’t forget to check your vehicle’s spare tire, jack, lug-wrench and wheel lock. If your vehicle’s spare is located under the car, make sure the mechanism that holds the spare tire is working properly.

Other Considerations

For more spring car care tips, we spoke to Jason Malo of Advanced Auto, Inc., who emphasized the importance and benefits of consistent maintenance. “When we’re performing regularly scheduled maintenance, we’re actually extending the life of your vehicle,” he said. “You’ll have fewer (if any) unexpected expensive repairs, and you’ll be able to drive your car for many miles more than someone who neglects maintenance.”

A few more spring car care reminders:

  • Steering, suspension, shocks and wheel alignment should be examined. “Misalignment causes the tires to wear abnormally and wear out too quickly,” Malo warns. “With the condition of the roads now-a-days, you should have your car’s alignment checked (and adjusted as needed) at least once a year.”
  • Cars that sit for longer periods of time (months or more) can develop brake issues. Have the rotors, calipers and pads checked before heading out.
  • Engine filters can become clogged with dirt, dust and pollen. Get these checked and replaced, if needed. “If [a filter] is dirty or old, your car probably isn’t getting enough air,” Malo said. “Imagine running a race with a dirty rag over your mouth. Sound like fun? No? Your car doesn’t like it, either!”
  • Hoses and belts can dry out and crack in the winter. Better to find out before you hit the highway on a long drive.
  • Rodents and other small critters often take up residence in vehicles to escape the cold. They often build nests and chew wires and hoses, so check for damage under the hood.

Now you’re ready for a road trip!

Originally published on Your AAA Network.