Don't underestimate what spring weather can throw at you and your truck.

First sign of spring: robin or pothole? Either way, while you're probably glad to leave the thrills of winter driving behind, it's important not to overlook the fact that spring brings serious driving challenges of its own. Check out the tips below to get you and your Chevy in top spring-driving form.

Watch Out on Wet Roads

Spring's rain creates slippery conditions - just as bad as winter's ice and snow - where hydroplaning and skidding are hazards. Slow down on wet roads.

Check Your Tire Treads

The risk of hydroplaning or skidding on wet roads can be greater if your tire treads are worn. If you're changing your winter tires back to all season tires, make sure you check your all season tire treads for wear with a tread depth gauge. Many new tires also have a tread wear indicator - a rubber bar across the tread of the tire - that lets you see the level of wear on your treads. For safe driving, replace worn tires.

Rotate Your Tires

It's important to rotate your tires at regular intervals in order to maintain even tread wear and prolong the life of your tires (which will also save you money!). Talk to your Goodwrench consultant about inspecting for tread wear and scheduling tire rotations.

Get New Wiper Blades

Rain cuts down on visibility. You'll have a clearer view if you replace your wiper blades this spring -blades worn from clearing winter snow and ice can leave a filmy smear on your windshield that is hard to see through and that reflects glare from oncoming headlights at night.

Balance your Wheels

Potholes and aggressive off-road driving can lead to suspension misalignment and to wheels that are out of balance. They're not the same thing, but both affect your truck's ride and handling. If your truck's suspension is out of alignment, you may notice steering problems, such as a pull to one side. Misalignment also causes uneven or increased tire wear. If you're feeling steering wheel jiggle or vibration at highway speeds, your wheels may be out of balance. Wheel balance improves traction, while both alignment and balance maximize your tire life and improve steering control. Get your Goodwrench consultant to check them both out for safe spring driving.

Wash Away Winter Salt

Winter's gone, but the salt build-up on your truck isn't. Get rid of it! Wash your truck and spray underneath, using a high-powered hose if you've got one, with special attention to the build-up that's on your axles, wheels, and exhaust pipe - anywhere corrosion can cause damage.

Clear the Air

Cleaning out a winter's worth of take-out coffee cups and junk gets rid of the obvious "gunk" inside your truck. What you can't see are allergens, bacteria, mould and other microscopic elements that can make you sick. Vacuum thoroughly and clean hard surfaces with a rag and disinfectant. If there's a replaceable cabin air filter in your vehicle, change it.

Fill Your Tires

Keep your tires properly inflated to protect your tire and wheel from damage when you hit potholes. Check for the proper psi on the label on the inside of the driver side doorframe.

Pull Over When the Sky Falls

Severe spring rain – and even hail – storms can come out of nowhere. Water quickly accumulates on the road surface and, even with your blades on top speed, visibility can be nil. So pull over and put on your 4-way flashers. It's safer to wait it out.

Help is a click away

When it comes to getting your Chevy ready for spring, you're not alone. GM Goodwrench Technicians are specifically trained to service GM vehicles using only GM-approved parts and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. See your GM dealer for a pre-summer springtime check-up - you can locate a dealer here, request a quote, and schedule a service appointment.

A Goodwrench Technician can help you with spring-related maintenance by

• Inspecting your engine air cleaner filter or change indicator (if equipped)
• Rotating tires and checking inflation pressures and wear (and providing all major name brands of tire if replacements are necessary)
• Inspecting suspension and steering components
• Inspecting wiper blades (and offer a wide variety of replacement blades)
• Checking engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid as needed
• Inspecting your brakes
• Performing an oil and filter change
• Inspecting your air conditioning system

And much more!