Some people believe that only changing the oil and air filter and giving it a good washing is enough maintenance for their cars. Unfortunately, there are many of those people who are having more significant problems with their cars because they neglected to maintain them. They need all sorts of auto repair done, but you can avoid all of that if you take a few moments and give your car general car maintenance on a regular basis. Now with the spring season in full bloom, you should make sure that your car would be able to give you a trouble-free season of traveling, commuting, or whatever you plan to do for the season. Begin with the Easy Things When you inspect your car, you should make sure you cover all areas from headlights to taillights. You should make sure that your headlights, taillights are illuminating properly, and that the lenses or covers are clean. During the winter, your car has been subjected to cold weather, snow, and ice, especially if you live in the northern part of the country. In these areas, the cold can be extreme and the snow and ice can be plentiful. Your car has also been subjected to the effects of road salt and other debris, which can accumulate on your headlight lenses and cause the light to appear dim or diluted. You should also make sure that you have adequate windshield wiper fluid and that your wipers are working properly. Check to make sure that you do not have any rust or corrosion building up on the bottom part of your car, especially the undercarriage, which receives the brunt of the driving punishment. Continue with the Rest of the Car When you are under the hood, make sure that you change the oil. An oil change should also include changing the air and oil filters. Clean filters will do a better job of trapping debris that has gotten into the car. You should also check the spark plugs and wires. If you change the plugs, it may be wise to change the wires, especially if they are broken or damaged. Make sure the battery is free from dirt and corrosion on the top and on the terminals. Replace the battery cables if they are not in good shape. It would be wise to inspect your radiator and alternator to make sure they are working properly. The alternator is an important part and if it fails, your car will be rendered useless. This part also will fail without warning, so it should be watched closely, especially if it is nearing the end of its life. For the Big Finish, Maintain to Maintain You should make it a point to regularly inspect your tires, brakes, and steering and suspension. The brakes are the parts that stop the car, the steering helps you control the car, and the suspension helps make the ride more comfortable and protect the car from excessive bumps and jolts on the road. These systems are important to the safety of your car and you should take special care with them. If your brakes fail, you lose your ability to stop. If your steering is bad, you will not be able to control the car, and if your suspension is bad, the bottom of your car will be damaged and your passengers will be shaken up. Maintain your car so that you can maintain your lifestyle and your ability to travel to your destinations.