5 Tips to Get Your Vehicle Summer-Ready

Maybe you live in a place where the seasons don’t really change. But for the rest of us, this is a really invigorating time. And we're day-dreaming about the experiences the coming weeks will bring.

But with better weather come different responsibilities and opportunities. The dormancy of winter gives way to the excitement and possibility of summer. Maybe you’re ready to tackle that backyard project. Or you're planning that big road trip. Is your Ford vehicle ready for everything you throw at it this summer?

Thanks to Ford Social, we've got five must-have tips for getting your Ford Summer-ready.

5 tips to get your car ready for summer:

• Shake Off the Salt – Just about everything that helps melt ice and snow on roadways is bad for your vehicle. Give your Ford a thorough wash, especially the undercarriage, to make sure the salts, sands and anything else that made traction on ice-covered streets possible is off of your car for good.

• Check and Recheck – Pop the hood and take some time to perform a thorough inspection. How are the hoses? Are your fluid levels good? Look for signs of loose nuts and bolts. The harsh winter and potholes may have taken a toll on your vehicle and all of those bangs and scrapes can jog stuff loose and require a trip to your local Ford service department.

• Air Time – Take this opportunity to clear the air; your air filter, that is. Do some spring cleaning in the engine bay and replace your air filter after the harsh winter. Tiny particulates could be choking off the air supply to your motor. Speaking of air, make sure your tires are properly inflated too.

• Ready for Road Trips – If you’re going to be spending time driving to and from those places you love, make sure to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning before you leave. Vacuum out all of the excess salt and debris, replace your air fresheners and wipe down the interior trim and glass. Spending hours in your vehicle during that upcoming family vacation won’t be so bad if your ride is looking and smelling fresh.

• Time to Tow – Whether you’re bringing supplies to the cottage or getting your boat into the water, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top towing condition. A spring safety walk around your vehicle and trailer is a great idea this time of the year. Before you load up your trailer, check the lights, connections and trailer tires to make sure everything is working properly. If you’re hauling something big and have a plus-sized trailer, make sure your side mirrors extend out far enough to see everything. If you’re heading across state lines, make sure your trailer and towing system are in compliance with the laws of the state you’re visiting. You don’t want to start off your weekend at the lake with a traffic citation. Also be sure to check out our handy hauling 101 guide!

It doesn’t take much time or effort to make sure your Ford vehicle is ready for a summer of fun. Do you have any vehicle preparation tips that you’d like to share? Tell us how you get your vehicle ready for warmer weather by leaving a comment below or submitting a story of your own. If you submit a story on Ford Social, please be sure to share with us on Facebook (or below) and use our hashtags! #hilbishford #FordSummer

Realizing you have a bit of maintenance to do before June 21?? Come by today -- no matter the make or model, our service team offers FREE brake & tire inspections year-round! Plus, there's always a great special happening -- Visit us at www.hilbishford.com to view our current offers.