With the passing of winter, maintenance of your car, truck or SUV customarily includes having the steering and suspension, as well as the alignment, checked. This is the case whether spring comes about under the dark cloud of a pandemic or not.

The problem for many is that they’re distracted from the maintenance they would ordinarily have performed on their vehicles by the current state of affairs. And if they are judicious enough to remember the need to have the steering, suspension and alignment checked, they may feel frustrated by the simultaneous need to ‘shelter in place.’

Fortunately, many auto repair shops are offering a solution. For instance, Performance Unlimited, in Ringwood, will have a technician come out to the car, truck or SUV owner’s home and pick up the vehicle, driving it back to the shop for service.

When the service is done, the technician will drive it back to the home of its owner. To and from, as well as during service, all the auto repair technicians who come into contact with the vehicle will be wearing nitrile gloves. Upon completion of the work, and when the car, truck or SUV is dropped off, the vehicle is wiped down to ensure that everyone coming into contact with the vehicle is safe from any possible spread of coronavirus.

This year, fortunately, the winter was fairly mild. Serious damage or misalignment to the steering and suspension is less likely after harsher winters. But it’s still a good idea to have the systems checked and aligned.

One issue with steering and suspension problems is that they tend to be migratory. The problem starts with one of the parts in the front end or suspension. The wear or damage there puts additional strain on other parts. Before you know it, rather than just replacing one part, you have an entire series of parts to change.

Problems with parts of the steering and suspension, or the alignment, will also affect the way that the vehicle’s tires will wear. You may find that you need to replace tires, as well.

We’re all hoping that the pandemic crisis passes quickly. But, as long as you’re home, this may be a good time to have the suspension, steering and alignment of your car, truck or SUV completed. After all, when we get back to normal following the crisis, finding the time to take care of such matters may not come as easily.