(NC) While we often think of self-care as something personal, it should also extend to the things we rely on every day, especially our cars. With so much wear and tear, it’s easy to forget that our vehicles need care and attention too.

“Vehicles often feel fine after winter, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been affected,” says Brian Mielko, the CEO of OK Tire. “Spring is the best time to catch small issues early, before they turn into bigger problems during peak driving season.”

Showing your car a little love doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple steps to take:

1.   Start with a 15-minute interior clean

A quick interior clean will make your vehicle look and feel better for every drive.

A quick checklist:

Clear out clutter and remove mats.

• Wash your mats and let them fully dry while you do the rest.
• Treat and remove salt stains.
• Vacuum seats, floors, and crevices.
• Wipe high-touch surfaces such as your steering wheel, dashboard and console.
• Eliminate odours and add a fresh scent.

Pro tip: Use a soft brush to lift any stubborn debris from crooks in fabric car seats.

2.   Don’t ignore what you can’t see

Underneath your car, road salt, moisture and grime can speed up rust and corrosion. That damage is important to address early, to protect against future wear. An undercarriage treatment adds a protective, rust-resistant layer. It can extend the life of your vehicle and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

3.   Check your tires before you hit the road

If there’s one area you don’t want to overlook, it’s your tires. Before heading into a busy season of road trips, commuting and weekend drives, take a few minutes to inspect them.

Watch for:

• Low tread depth (below ~3/32 inch, or visible wear bars)
• Cracks or bulges, especially on sidewalls
• Uneven wear (may indicate alignment or suspension issues)
• Vibration while driving
• Frequent air loss

A quick DIY reset is a good place to start, but if something seems off, it may be worth consulting a qualified technician. Advice from vehicle experts, such as those at OK Tire, can help ensure your vehicle is ready for the season ahead.

Attention editors: Here’s an evergreen headline and introduction for after May:

A simple summer car reset every Canadian driver should know

(NC) While we often think of self-care as something personal, it should extend to the things we rely on every day, especially our cars. With so much wear and tear, it’s easy to forget that our vehicles need care and attention too.

“Vehicles often feel fine after winter, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been affected,” says Brian Mielko, the CEO of OK Tire. “It’s important to catch small issues early, before they turn into bigger problems during peak driving season.”