Many of these cars, trucks and SUVs may have just weathered the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt.
To be prepared for the changing weather and road conditions of spring, here's a simple checklist of tips motorists should perform to help them during spring:
• As temperatures change, so does your tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. So, check that air pressure now. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box.
• Replacing your air filter can increase your vehicle's life expectancy and fuel efficiency, especially during warmer months. Salt, sand and other impurities may have been kicked into your car's air filtration system during the winter months.
• Winter-specific tires may not be the best choice for spring and summer driving. Save your winter tires the extra wear, and yourself the lower fuel economy, by changing to your all-season tires now. With wetter and sometimes unpredictable spring weather ahead, having enough tread on your tires becomes even more important as reduced tire grip can be hazardous.
Not sure how to tell whether you need new tires? One simple way: the penny test. Insert a penny into the tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Abe's head, it's time to replace your tires.
• If you need to buy new tires, remember, while they may all look the same on the outside, not all tires are created equal on the inside. How you drive and the weather conditions you face should play an important role in selecting what tire is right for you.
For most, the choice may come down to a year-round tire that features an innovative design that offers confident handling in any weather, such as those with Goodyear's proprietary TripleTred Technology.
• There are many fluids that require attention, including the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Spring is the perfect time to make sure they are all clean and at the proper levels.
For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.
