Written by special guest editor Carter Jung, editor of Import Tuner. Carter is an automotive enthusiast, journalist and photographer.

Ah, springtime. The days are getting longer, leaves are starting to sprout, and the great thaw begins. After an especially chilly winter with record snowfall and low temperatures, it’s nice to know we’re heading into the warmer months filled with meets, track days and car shows. But before you dust off your driving gloves and forged rims, here are eight helpful car care tips to properly prep your favorite ride for spring.

1. Underbody wash- Although you wash the exterior of your car on a regular basis, after driving on winter roads it’s important to clean underneath it, removing salt, chemicals and grime that are corrosive and harmful to the chassis and wheel coatings. Using a high pressure hose, spray under the car, paying close attention to wheel wells and bumpers.
   
   
2. Clean the interior- Now that the exterior is spick and span, it’s time to work on the interior. Clean and vacuum the cabin like you were going on a first date, and remove unnecessary items like old car parts, snow chains, jackets, ski/snowboarding equipment, racks, winter car mats, blankets or garbage. Not only will you feel better and increase your vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio, but the United States Department of Energy has found that for every 100 pounds of weight you shed, fuel efficiency can improve by up to 2 percent.
   
   
3. Tire swap- For performance and safety, one of the most important parts of your car is its tires. Winter tires with their specially designed treads and soft compounds work well in the snow, but have increased road noise, accelerate and brake poorly, and offer poor tread life on dry tarmac. When the last of the asphalt dries, swap back to your performance-oriented summer or all-season tires, storing your winter set for later. Lack four seasons? To even out wear, it’s always a good idea to rotate your tires once a year.
   
   
4. Track Gear- If you plan on taking your car out to a track event, check your helmet, harnesses, seats, and fire extinguisher -- most FIA/SFI- and Snell-approved equipment has an expiration date. Depending on the organization and/or class, the expired gear may or may not meet tech inspection. Consult the organization’s rule book or website for the exact criteria. Replace worn items with new ones.
   
   
5. Radiator Flush- If you live in colder regions, chances are you or your mechanic added more antifreeze to your radiator’s coolant mix to prevent it from freezing. While this is ideal for winter, for warmer months, flush the radiator and refill the system with a mixture of half antifreeze and half water. In excessive amounts, antifreeze can actually reduce cooling efficiency, resulting in higher engine temperatures. When mixing the coolant, make sure to use distilled water instead of tap to prevent unwanted calcium buildup.
   
   
6. Oil Change- Another popular practice by some automotive enthusiasts during winter is switching to a lighter weight/lower viscosity motor oil to improve cold engine starts. With the mercury rising, and the canyons and track days beckoning, perform an oil change, going back to factory recommended oil grade for optimal protection. While you’re at it, consider using a synthetic oil and top off all the other fluids.
   
   
7. Air filter- Throttle feeling sluggish? Inspect your factory panel air filter or aftermarket cone filter. Recent studies sited by the United States Department of Energy have shown modern, fuel-injected cars can see around a 6 to 11 percent improvement in acceleration by swapping out a clogged air filter with a new one.
   
   
8. Premium Fuel- To help keep your engine running at its peak output, it’s as simple as filling up with a premium gasoline like Shell V-Power. A TOP TIER gasoline, Shell V-Power is designed to actively clean your engine to give it maximum protection while maintaining optimum performance on the street or on the track. It even offers the highest concentration of cleaning agents required by federal government standards to help your engine run at its best, no matter the season.
   
   

So, after you’ve cleaned it up, replaced your gear and topped it off, take your ride out for a spin to feel the engine roar to life. Think about your summer road trips to come, and enjoy the ride!