If the harsh weather took a toll on your vehicle this year, the good news is that giving your car a little love and some tender care can prep it for spring in no time.

“Preparing your car for the busy season of car trips and hot weather is so important but is often an afterthought,” said Tom Damon, ASE master technician for CarMax. “A few preventative measures can keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid costly repairs.”

To help your car recover from the damaging effects of winter, CarMax technicians suggest you perform the following five tasks in the spring:

Take your car to an automatic car wash that has an under-carriage wash.

This can help remove corrosive residues left behind by winter road treatments used to melt ice and snow.

Always wax your car after washing.

The wax will protect the paint from damaging UV rays.

Change the car oil and filter every 3,000 miles or at the manufacturer’s recommendation

Also have the air filter and PCV valve checked and replaced if needed. Winter temperatures can allow harmful condensation and acids to form in the engine oil.

Ask an automotive professional to diagnose your car.

If the engine is not running smoothly or any other conditions arise, preventive measures can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve gas mileage.

Get the following checked by a qualified car technician:

- engine coolant, belts and hoses

- lights and lenses for cracks

- wiper blades

- tires

- steering and suspension

- car battery

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