Believe it or not, Spring is coming to Richmond. This is a good time to think about having the oil changed in your car, truck or SUV.

You can almost smell the fresh aroma of Spring approaching as you step out the door of your Richmond home. Not only does it appear that you and your car, truck or SUV have survived another winter, but you’ve just passed the official end of winter – March 20. Now, it’s time to think about that post-winter oil change.

No doubt, you’ve been on heightened alert all winter to ensure that your vehicle will take you to the end of the season here in Richmond. You’ve earned the right to take a deep sigh and relax a little. Okay. That’s enough. Now back to work.

Back to work means that you want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the Spring and Summer ahead; you want to know that your car, truck or SUV will last for the long haul and will carry as much resale value as possible along the way.

The solution is proper maintenance. This means changing the oil on schedule. If you’ve been doing so, great! Check the calendar and compare it to your next scheduled oil change (as well as other maintenance procedures are required for your vehicle). Make sure you and your vehicle are up to date.

We point this out because, with that post-winter relaxation, some have been known to lose track of scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes. The warmer weather is a distraction. Other things are top of mind, such as getting out to enjoy the approaching Spring-time fun. But the need for timely auto maintenance continues.

When it comes to auto maintenance, there is nothing you can do that is more critical than changing the oil on time. Oil is the lifeblood of your car, truck or SUV’s engine. Keep it fresh and your vehicle will reward you with a strong engine that is more apt to keep you reliably on the road while propping up the resale value of your vehicle.

Yes, you’ll want to start thinking about other maintenance, too. You’ll want to see how the shocks or struts made out through the winter. You’ll want to check the alignment and steering and all those other procedures that require your due attention. But starting with the oil is not a bad idea. 

In fact, when you bring the car, truck or SUV into a trusted auto repair shop for that oil change, it’s a great time to have all those other maintenance procedures checked out.

It’s good that you’ve made it through another Richmond winter. Now, while you enjoy the warmer weather ahead, don’t forget to stay on top of your vehicle to take you through the seasons to come.