It’s that time of year.

The time when no matter what color your paint job actually is, it looks gray.

It’s the grime that winter leaves behind.

Don’t worry – once the sun is shining again, you’ll be excited to bust out your bucket and hose and get to work shining up your ride.

Here’s what you should do.

Give it a thorough wash

This wash is more involved than a drive through your local no-touch car wash.

You have to make sure you get the yuck out of every single nook and cranny of your…

You know that your car needs regular oil changes.

Filling it up with gas is a no-brainer.

Maybe you’re vaguely aware of some of the other routine maintenance tasks your vehicle needs, but one of the parts that may get lost in the shuffle is the fuel filter.

Here’s what you need to know about this small-but-important car part.

The fuel filter’s job

Dirty gasoline is no good for your engine.

The…

Okay, so you’re not a mechanic.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some tools on hand – just in case.

Some issues that come up are well within your ability and having the right tools will allow you to fix what you can.

Check out these tools that you should have in your toolbox.

Tire pump

Air isn’t free anymore.

Unfortunately, most gas stations will charge you for filling your tires up…