The Winter Hangover: 3 Things You Must Check Now That the Snow is Gone

March 25, 2026

The snowbanks at the edge of the Mall at Rockingham Park are finally gone, and the sun is actually staying out past 5:00 PM. Winter is officially over in Salem, NH. But while you’re ready for a spring drive, your vehicle might still be recovering from the last four months of ice and salt. At Aleksa Auto, we call this 'pothole season,' and it’s the most important time of year for maintenance.

Ignoring winter damage is the fastest way to turn a $25 inspection into a $2,000 repair bill. Here is what you should be looking for as you transition into spring driving.

1. The 'Salt Shadow' Under Your Car

You probably washed your car a few times this winter, but unless you spent an hour on your back with a hose, you didn't get the salt out of the crevices. That salt is a silent killer for brake lines and suspension components. We use our 12-bay facility to get cars up on lifts where we can see the 'salt shadows'—the hidden spots where corrosion starts. A professional undercarriage rinse and inspection can save your frame.

2. The 'Alignment Pull' from Route 28 Potholes

Have you noticed your steering wheel isn't quite straight anymore? Or maybe your car wants to drift toward the curb when you let go for a second? Southern New Hampshire potholes don't just spill your coffee; they knock your wheels out of alignment. Driving on a bad alignment ruins your tires in a matter of weeks. We recommend a quick check-up before you put those expensive summer tires back on.

3. Cabin Air Filter: The Winter Dust-Up

If your car smells a little 'musty' when you turn on the AC for the first time in months, it’s not just you. Your cabin air filter has been trapping salt dust, sand, and moisture all winter. It’s a five-minute fix that makes a world of difference for your spring commutes to Methuen or Windham.