The winter season has made its departure and many people are excited to get their favorite cars out on the road. Many car owners look forward to spring because they can tinker with their favorite cars and wake them from a long winter’s sleep. At JD’s Auto Repair, we help all of our customers find reliable and affordable ways to get their vehicles ready for the season ahead. To help you get ready to ride, we’ve got a few helpful hints to share:

• Check your tire Pressure.

When cars are stored for the winter, they experience many temperature swings. Tires that have been sitting for long periods of time can lose some of their pressure. That’s why we recommend checking your tire pressure before getting out on the road. A tire pressure gauge will determine if you need more air. It’s also a good idea to give your tires a quick inspection while you’re at it. Checking for cracks or splits before driving is always a good idea.

• Pump your brakes.

Long periods of rest can leave your brake-system seals and gaskets dry. A quick way to test your brakes is to press on the brake pedals as if you were coming to a soft stop. Then, hold the pedal and press harder as if you were performing a hard stop. Does your brake pedal remain firm? If not, you should probably have the brakes tested by a trusted mechanic.

• Check your fuel.

At JD’s Auto Repair, we suggest giving your fuel a quick sniff to make sure that it’s safe for use. Modern gas blends can turn sour after long periods of non-use. Does your fuel smell like paint thinner or varnish? If it does, you can guarantee that it’s no good to use. To be safe, drain it and replace it.

• Confirm your oil level.

At JD’s Auto Repair, we recommend checking for small leaks in the engine compartment, since many classic cars have these. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your oil levels to confirm that your car hasn’t lost a significant amount.