Between potholes and slick driving conditions, winter is a brutal time for cars. Because of this, springtime vehicle maintenance should be a priority for any driver. Just as many people undertake spring housecleaning to reverse the effects of winter, a spring tune-up for your car monitors its condition and prepares it for the rest of the year. Below are some items your auto center should include on their maintenance checklist this spring.

4 Auto Maintenance Tips for Spring

1. Check Vehicle Alignment

Proper vehicle alignment is essential to the safe operation of your car. Adjusting the alignment ensures a healthy suspension system — the system that connects the wheels to the rest of the car. Winter driving hazards like potholes and uneven road surfaces can throw off a car's alignment, so a springtime adjustment will correct the suspension to make certain it’s in peak form after winter.

2. Change Wiper Blades

Wiper blades get a workout in the freezing rain and snow of the winter months. For good measure, have your auto center switch them out for new ones as part of your spring tune-up. In general, wiper blades should be replaced every six months or whenever you detect a change in driving visibility.

3. Perform an Oil Change

The cold and inclement weather of winter puts higher demand on an engine and uses more oil. When spring comes, an oil change is always a good idea. Not only will it increase fuel efficiency for the rest of the year, but it will give your auto center an idea of your engine’s performance during the winter. They will suggest solutions or other types of oil to better protect your car for next winter.

4. Rotate the Tires

Rough winter driving conditions can take a toll on your tires. A tire rotation in spring will extend tire life, increase fuel efficiency, and give you a smoother, steadier ride. Have your auto center perform an inspection to make sure each tire is free of dangerous damage or defects caused by winter roads.

Vehicle maintenance in the spring will give you driving peace of mind. Quick Lane at Jack Kain Ford is an auto center that offers the above services. For four decades, they have provided the Woodford County, KY, area with tune-ups, inspections, and repairs. Call (877) 837-1796 or visit their website to schedule service. You can also reach out directly to their manager for any questions or concerns. Contact Jeremy Linder at (859) 873-1216 for more information.