Lemondrop

This time of year takes its toll on our skin, our sanity, and yes, even our cars. And, it turns out, if you want to keep your wheels in top-top shape, you should be thinking ahead.

So, right around now, when the forecast reads blizzard, says automotive expert Barbara Terry, it's time to think spring. Here her top five tips to get your car ready to strut its stuff come summer.

1. Think "spring" for summer and "fall" for winter. That's Terry's motto, and it means that you should start thinking about car maintenance before the seasons change. "Radiator hoses get pretty hot, so they need to be looked at," she explains. "Your belts need to be looked at, too. When checking your belts and hoses, just make sure that your car's ignition is turned off, your emergency brake is engaged, then pop open and prop-up your hood for safety. Basically you are looking for any cracks in the belts and hoses and any swelling of the hoses."

If you're comfortable checking it out yourself, then go for it! If not, it's worth paying a professional. (Terry notes that new Volkswagen owners get free seasonal checks under their care-free maintenance program.)

2. Load up on liquids. "If you're in the northeast, you need plenty of antifreeze because it is so brutally cold," she explains. "And windshield wiper fluid. When 98% of our driving decisions are based on viability, you can be a danger to yourself and the other cars if you don't have plenty of windshield wiper fluid." She adds that windshield wiper blades should be replaced twice a year.

3. Create an emergency road kit for your car. Terry created her own using an old fishing tackle box and included an extra flashlight, extra quart of oil, transmission fluid, blankets, and a set of jumper cables. "A jump box is really popular right now," she says. "Back in the old days, we had to wait for another car. But jump boxes are really inexpensive, and you don't have to wait for somebody else." If you wear heels everywhere, you might want to add a pair of sensible shoes for emergencies.

4. Lubricate door locks. When temps are in the single digits, the last thing you want is to be stuck outside, because your car door is frozen shut! That's why Terry recommends using an anti-freeze spray on locks. According to Terry, "that will prevent a problem in the future. Most cars have the remote locks. Sometimes those dysfunction. If you happen to put your key in and your key calendar is frozen, you have a problem. Use anti-freeze spray on your locks!"

5. Pay attention to your tires. For those in snowy climates, Terry recommends investing in snow tires for better grip on the road. But everyone should their air pressure and make sure their spare tire is in good shape. "I check the air pressure once a week or once every two weeks," she says. "We tend to forget about our spare tire. A lot of people will venture out and then determine their spare is flat, too!"

Bonus! Terry offered her tips on improving your gas mileage. "Eliminate quick, abrupt starts and run a really good quality fuel," she says. "Switching out your air filter every ten thousand miles can save 10-15% on your fuel bill."

She also suggests that you, "remove excess weight and check your air pressure. Add up all the little tips you can increase your gas mileage around 30%. What you're really trying to do is drive your car as it rolled off the assembly line."

Tell us! What would you like to know about car maintenance? Do you have a tip to add?