Now that we’ve enjoying a run of spring-like weather, the urge to take long drives around the North Bay countryside means taking a good look at your car’s mechanical condition.

Here are a few rules of thumb about late-winter maintenance for your car. They should keep your car in good shape and allow you to drive anywhere in the state, including the Sierra, over the next few months.

Antifreeze – Always make sure the proportion of antifreeze to water in your radiator is at least 50-50.

Oil viscosity – 20-50 weight oil is fine unless you are staying in cold climes for a long time. In any case, you want to change oil fairly frequently so the engine doesn’t have a hard time turning over. Old oil builds up sludge that can cause friction when you start the engine.

Tires – Rotate tires every 3,000 miles and check tread wear at least once a month. Look not only for uneven wear, which can be an indicator of a misalignment or imbalance, also check for tread depth. Treads with less than ¼-inch depth tell you the tire is nearing the end of its usefulness.

Wiper fluid solutions – Don’t dilute your washer solution with water. Water has no cleaning power and only serves as a means to move dirt and grease around. In cold areas, water can freeze in your washer solution container and all through the hoses leading to your wiper spray pumps, rendering them useless.

Rubber and seals maintenance – Keep them clean with a non-harsh, non-abrasive cleaner, and supple with silicone-based sprays.

Locks – Use a silicon-based lubricant to keep door and trunk looks working smoothly. Avoid graphite lubricants because they can clump up in cold weather or absorb moisture.

Cold weather starts – Have your battery checked to see if it’s functioning at its maximum efficiency. You’ll be depending on its ability to deliver power to a starter engine in cold-weather.

Wiper blades – Inspect for tears or separations. If your blades leave streaks on your windshield, that’s a sure indication that they are worn or not smoothly meeting the surface. Ineffective wipers can have deadly consequences, especially in winter when clear visibility becomes crucial. ■