With spring just around the corner and the cold weather slowly starting to recede, now’s the right time to get your vehicle checked. The winter months can really take their toll on your vehicle, from salted roads to the cold and icy weather, your car may not be running smoothly.
To help you understand what you need to check on your vehicle this season, here are 5 important vehicle maintenance checks to complete this spring…
#1 Wipers & Washers…
Throughout the colder months, your windscreen wipers and washers are the most likely to be affected. With fluctuating temperatures, you may find your wipers are starting to suffer, from little cracks in the rubber blades to damage to the wiper motors. Springtime is the perfect opportunity to check the condition of your wipers and change them if necessary.
It is also a great opportunity to check you have a good amount of windscreen washer fluid in your vehicle too. Whilst checking your washer fluid, why not check other operating fluids too including your engine oil and engine coolant?
#2 Lights…
As the days get lighter, you may find you might not need to use your lights as much as you have done in previous months, but it is still important to check these. With regular use during winter, you should be checking that all of your lights are working correctly.
Checks your bulbs are working and replace any that may not be working as they should.
#3 Air Conditioning…
With warm weather hopefully approaching soon, there’s no worse time to realise that your air conditioning doesn’t work as it should. Long periods of inactivity can cause issues, and throughout winter the biggest issues that can arise are leaks and mould.
Turn on your air conditioning and take note of any unusual smells or noises as well as the air pressure.
#4 Batteries…
Another really important vehicle maintenance check to complete this spring is a battery check. Your vehicle’s battery will have been put under strain these last few months which can cause issues moving forward.
A modern battery typically has a lifespan of around 5 or 6 years but it depends on how intensively it has been used. To ensure your battery is working correctly, it is recommended that you take your vehicle to a reputable garage to take a look for you and offer any assistance in resolving any problems.
#5 Tyres…
Even the most minor problems with your tyres can cause bigger problems in the future. Make sure to check various elements of your tyres, including:
- Tyre pressure – ensure these are at the correct amount for your vehicle.
- Tyre tread – the legal requirement is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
- Tread depth – the easiest way to test tread depth is with 20p, place a 20p coin in the main grooves of your tyre, if the rim of the coin with “twenty pence” written on it disappears, your tyres have enough tread depth.
- Any general wear and tear including no cuts, tears or bulges.
Vehicle Breakdowns…
Although breakdowns are typically higher in winter, it doesn’t mean they don’t occur in spring. If you’ve broken down and need roadside assistance, get in touch with our team. We specialise in rescue and recovery across the whole of the UK, simply give our team a call on 0870 600 3444 and we will be able to help you out.
