It’s time to take off those winter tires. Summer is right around the corner! While you may be excited and ready for the warm weather, your car likely needs some extra attention after the long winter we’ve had. Besides, you don’t want any surprises.

Before you decide to hit the road, be sure to conduct seasonal maintenance.

See if maintenance is required. To keep your vehicle performing at its best, proper maintenance is important. Check the maintenance schedule provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer to see if any maintenance is coming due (or past due) and have this done prior to setting out on your adventures. This will help ensure you have a trouble-free ride all season long.

Always test your lights. If one is missing, make sure to replace it. Remember to double check your windshield wipers to make sure they are not dried out and are fully functioning on those rainy summer days. For any other concerns, have a mechanic look at it for your peace of mind.

Check your tires. Low tire pressure increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption and wears down the tread. Regularly checking tire pressure can help prevent you having to buy new ones too often.

Rustproof your car. Lastly, rustproofing is not just reserved for winter and should be maintained all year round. Having your car rustproofed can save you hundreds on repairs and mechanical troubles down the line. Rustproofing can also provide extra protection to the underside of your car, which often gets overlooked.

No matter the season, it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is in proper running condition. That includes making sure your insurance policy is valid, up to date and sufficient for your travel plans. If you need to make changes to your insurance policy, insurance providers such as Belairdirect have skilled representatives that can walk you through the process.

You can find out more or manage coverage at belairdirect.com