Spring has officially sprung, and with better weather on the horizon, drivers may find themselves venturing further afield for days out and road trips.
Whether you’ve been using your vehicle regularly through the winter, or it’s been tucked away for brighter days, now is as good a time as any for a little ‘spring clean’ to make sure you’re safe on the roads.
Here are our five top tips on preparing your car for Spring.
- 1. Tyres and Alignment
If you decided to swap to Winter tyres for the colder months, now is the time to change back; otherwise, you risk them wearing quicker through Spring and Summer. Cold weather can affect your tyre pressure, so you must check this to avoid poor vehicle handling and reduced fuel economy.
Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold to avoid a false reading. If you’re looking to inspect your tyre tread, insert a 20p coin into the lowest depth. You should not be able to see the outer ring of the coin. Your tyre tread should be at least 3mm deep.
Winter weather often leads to potholes on the roads, which can damage your vehicle. If your car starts to veer to one side when driving, check to see if your alignment is okay. If there is a problem, this can cause your tyres to wear unevenly, and you should visit a workshop as soon as possible.
2. Brake Check
Although some drivers may believe they can ‘feel’ the brakes’ quality, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A visual inspection should allow you to see any dirt or rust on your brakes that could lead to them not operating correctly and be sure to listen out for any unusual sounds or delayed response times.
3. Windscreen Wipers and Fluid
Windscreen wipers have a shelf life of approximately six months to a year. Be sure to test your wipers before heading off on a long journey and consider whether they simply need a wipe down or a full replacement.
Don’t forget to top up the windscreen fluid whilst you’re at it! If you’re planning a long road trip, especially on motorways, it may be worth keeping some fluid in your boot.
4. Engine Oil
With the engine off and cold, pop the bonnet of your vehicle and find the dipstick. Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe any excess fluid with a cloth. Then, insert the dipstick back into its tube all the way. This time, when you remove the dipstick, you will be able to see if the engine oil is low and needs topping up.
5. Spring Clean
Giving your car a deep Spring cleaning inside and out will not only make it nicer for the driver and passengers, but it will also help maintain the value of the vehicle. Keeping your car’s paintwork as clean as possible will reduce the risk of paint erosion and rust.
However, there is an art to cleaning your car properly. Start by rinsing the car thoroughly with fresh water, ideally via a pressure-washer or hose to remove any dirt or grit. The pre-wash will stop you from rubbing and loose dirt with a sponge and risk damaging the paint.
Don’t forget to give the inside of your car a once over, especially the internal glass. Wiping condensed windscreens through winter can lead to a build-up in smudges on the glass and reduce visibility. First, wash the glass with lukewarm water to remove the dirt and finish off with a coating of glass cleaner.
Finally, when was the last time you did a full walkaround of your car, checking all your lights were shining bright? You may need a hand with this one when checking your rear and brake lights.