April is National Car Care Month!

Who knew there was an entire month devoted to taking care of your car? And – after an especially harsh winter — the timing couldn’t be better!

The Car Care Council is urging drivers to take a little time this month to spiff up their vehicles before the spring and summer driving season.

“Your car has gotten you through one of the worst winters in recent memory, working overtime in harsh conditions, but the extreme cold, potholes and road salt have taken a toll,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Since most Americans rely on their vehicles nearly every day to get to work, school and everywhere in between, taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run.”

Some simple car-care tips to consider:

Keep your vehicle clean. Wash and wax your car’s exterior. Do a full underbody wash to make sure you’ve eliminated any salt that may have accumulated over the winter months.

Keep your car on schedule. By staying on top of routine maintenance, you will very likely extend the life of your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for your car’s specific maintenance recommendations.

Keep an eye on the little things. When you notice something that’s not working as it should be (perhaps your wipers aren’t doing their thing or a dashboard warning light has suddenly appeared), take care of it right away. Small repairs now can eliminate more costly problems down the road.

Looking for other great car care tips? Check out the Car Care Council website for all kinds of great tools.