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Winter is finally shifting toward spring in the Okanagan, and that means it含羞草研究社檚 time to get your vehicle ready for road trip season.

Rain, snow, sleet and the drop of mercury can wreak havoc on your vehicle 含羞草研究社� there含羞草研究社檚 no better time than the present to counteract any issues, according to Christopher Spanier, operations manager of Skaha Ford in Penticton.

含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 important to address the issues that winter has done to our vehicles now含羞草研究社� there含羞草研究社檚 a lot of wear and tear that happens because of winter driving,含羞草研究社� he said.

Whether your plan is to head to the lake and pitch a tent, unplug from technology in the woods, or take refuge in a posh spa resort, it含羞草研究社檚 important your vehicle is up for the trek 含羞草研究社� we含羞草研究社檙e taking about what含羞草研究社檚 under the hood and the exterior.

Here are just four effective ways to ensure your vehicle is ready for the warmer weather.

1. Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignments are especially important this time of year, says Spanier.

含羞草研究社淎fter a season of rough roads, pot holes and icy driving conditions, your alignment should be checked prior to putting on your summer tires.

含羞草研究社淭ires can be costly 含羞草研究社� a wheel alignment will help protect wear and tear.含羞草研究社�

2. Oil Change

Today含羞草研究社檚 vehicles are some of the most technologically advanced machines ever produced. Even an oil change isn含羞草研究社檛 as basic as it used to be, notes Spanier.

含羞草研究社淥ur expert Ford Service technicians know their stuff and have the right parts to help make sure the job gets done right.含羞草研究社�

You want to maintain your vehicle and keep it in great shape. Regular oil and filter changes help your vehicle run with optimum efficiency.

含羞草研究社淲hen you use the proper grade of engine oil, you can improve your mpg by as much as two per cent,含羞草研究社� he said.

3. Invest in a Truck Box Liner

Let含羞草研究社檚 face it 含羞草研究社� your truck is so much more than just a mode of transportation. It can be your workhorse, plaything and ticket to adventure on the open road. Whatever its purpose, your truck deserves serious protection every way you use it.

Spanier recommends investing in a truck box liner 含羞草研究社� a spray that protects and shields your truck against scratches, dents, paint damage, and rust.

含羞草研究社淭his is a heavy, thick rubberized material that is about 录 inch thick,含羞草研究社� he explained of the easy-to-clean rubber-like coating.

含羞草研究社淵ou can throw your camping supplies in the back 含羞草研究社� even a motorcycle or a boat and not have to worry about damaging the paint. It also keeps the truck bed from being slippery when wet.含羞草研究社�

With a box truck liner (only $450 at Skaha Ford, compared to the average price of $600), there is no drilling required and it will not crack or break in extreme temperatures.

4. The EXPEL Difference

In winter, snow and road salt take a toll on your car含羞草研究社檚 exterior.

Protect your ride含羞草研究社檚 paint job with an innovative product called EXPEL, which is designed to prevent rock chips and abrasions from road debris.

含羞草研究社淭his paint protection film is invisible, and it goes over the front of your vehicle,含羞草研究社� said Spanier of the service that takes around five hours to apply to a standard-sized truck.

含羞草研究社淚t doesn含羞草研究社檛 yellow or change colour 含羞草研究社� it含羞草研究社檚 also very durable.含羞草研究社�

Skaha Ford is currently offering a special on this service, starting at just $279.

While your vehicle is designed to work safely on the road, if you don含羞草研究社檛 maintain it, you含羞草研究社檙e increasing the odds of breaking down on the side of the road or getting into a collision 含羞草研究社� both can have disastrous consequences.

Next time you find your vehicle needing maintenance done to it, bring it to Skaha Ford at 198 Parkway Place in Penticton.

含羞草研究社淥ur repair center has professionally trained car repair technicians with the necessary skills to get your car, truck or SUV into top shape,含羞草研究社� said Spanier. From oil changes and alignments; to major repairs on your engine and drive train; the auto repair technicians at Skaha Ford will take care of your vehicle like it was their own.

For more information, visit .