With the country facing frigid temperatures, spring may feel a long way off—but in reality, warmer weather is closer than you think. With the pending arrival of spring, thoughts naturally turn to spring cleaning chores. As the team at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO notes, this is also a time to make auto repair and vehicle maintenance a top priority.

Rough winter conditions can cause a wide range of issues for your vehicle, which makes it essential that you give your car a tuneup before you begin driving more frequently in the spring and summer. There are a few tasks in particular that should receive your full attention.

One of the first things drivers should take care of when spring arrives is to give their vehicle a thorough cleaning. Road salt that accumulates on the exterior of your vehicle can cause rust and corrosion, resulting in serious damage to your paint, body panels, and other automotive components. Cleaning your car inside and out will remove these contaminants and reduce the risk of corrosion-related damage.

Extreme temperatures and rough roadways also mean that you should check your car’s alignment, suspension, and tires for any performance issues. Allowing seemingly minor problems to get worse could result in very expensive auto repair work.

In addition to these areas that are most commonly affected by winter weather, it is generally recommended that you stay on track with other routine maintenance tasks. Make sure your vehicle is up to date with recommended oil changes, tire rotations, and safety inspections. These routine items could have the biggest impact on your car’s long-term well-being.

From brake service to routine oil changes, Mullanphy Tire & Automotive will keep your vehicle working in top condition. Their ASE-certified technicians will provide superior workmanship every time. To learn more about their auto repair services or to request a repair estimate, visit them online or call (314) 921-4961.