We are almost halfway through February, which means there are only have a few more weeks until spring arrives! Make sure to follow these car care tips to keep your vehicle in top shape for the rest of winter:

• Check your tire pressure. Air pressure drops in cold temperatures. Under-inflated tires could cause an accident and waste gas. Make sure to check your tire pressure once a month. Read more

If you have ever found yourself stranded with a dead battery, you know: jump starting a car isn’t something you think about until you are faced with a dead battery.

To make sure you don’t get left behind, be prepared. Ensure that you have a set of jumper cables in your car, and make sure that you know how to properly jump start a car.

Watch as VFC’s Steve Sullivan demonstrates how to jump start a car:

As temperatures climb to new highs, Vehicles for Change’s Steve Sullivan shares tips for protecting your car in extreme heat.

Why does heat cause problems for cars?
Heat puts added strain on vehicle components.  It increases electrical resistance and an already high temperature under the hood, which can result in inadequate cooling for many parts. This causes components to work harder and can result in failure. Read more

Planning on taking a road trip this summer? Follow these tips to prepare your car for a long drive:

• Survey the fluids. It’s important to make sure that the car’s coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid are all full. Your owner’s manual will explain what is appropriate for your car, and how often it should be changed. VFC’s Steve Sullivan demonstrates how to check these fluids.
• Check the tire pressure . Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressure (the number on the side of the tire is the maximum amount the tire can hold). Look in the owner’s manual for tire inflation information, and adjust accordingly if packing lots of belongings for a trip.
• Examine the tire tread. Use a penny to check the tread for wear: stick a penny (Lincoln’s head should be pointing down) in one of the tire grooves. If you can see the space above Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
• Inspect the wipers. Check the wipers, especially if it hasn’t rained recently. Streaky wipers can be a problem on the road.

Maintain your car with regular oil changes. Check your owner’s manual to find out how often you should change the oil in your vehicle and what type of oil should be used.