There’s good news for fans of warm weather—winter has finally loosened its chilly grip. With spring officially making an appearance, it’s the perfect time to prepare your car for all of the sunny cruises you’ve planned. Below are four car care tips to get your vehicle in shape for spring.

How to Make Your Car Ready for Spring

1. Check & Refill Antifreeze

Even though this fluid’s name would have you believe otherwise, antifreeze is just as important during warm months as it is during the cold ones. During the winter, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing up, but it takes on the opposite role when the temperature rises. Make sure your car has plenty of antifreeze (and is leak-free) to prevent overheating while taking road trips in the sun.

2. Examine Tire Tread

Ample traction is essential for navigating the icy roads of winter, but spring can cause slick streets from the rain. To drive safely during these slippery conditions, your tires need to have adequate tread, which you can easily check by using a penny. Insert the coin into the tread, and if you see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire. Check in multiple locations; tire tread doesn’t usually wear down evenly.

3. Wash the Exterior

Road salt helps to make the icy pavement easier to navigate, but it can also have damaging effects on your car’s exterior. The chemicals can slowly eat through paint finishes, leading to rust spots if it’s left alone. Heading to the car wash, or doing a deep-clean of your home is an easy car care solution to prevent these problems, and it’ll leave your vehicle looking shiny and beautiful for the new season.

4. Schedule a Professional Inspection & Tuneup

The best car care tip to prepare your vehicle for warmer weather is to schedule a professional inspection and tuneup. An auto shop will perform all of the basic maintenance checks and will also identify any issues before they become more severe and costly.

Privitt Auto Service Center is the go-to destination for car care and auto repair in the Columbia, MO, area. With more than 45 years of automotive experience, the company will expertly handle a huge variety of maintenance issues, from simple oil changes to suspension repair and emissions tests. For more information, call (573) 449-7941 or visit the website.