7-Step Spring Car Care Checklist

Car Maintenance, Car Spring Clean

After a season of cold temperatures, harsh weather and miserable road conditions (damn you potholes!), spring has finally sprung. Use our handy 7-step spring car checklist to give your car some much needed TLC so it’s safe and ready for the warmer weather ahead.

1. Inspect Your Tyres

As the only point of contact with the road tyres are one of the most important safety features of your car. Check your tyres pressures as the cold winter temperatures can cause them to fluctuate. You will also need to check your tyres for any excessive wear, cuts, damage or leaks that may affect how your vehicle handles and performs.

If you have winter tyres now is the time to switch them over to summer / all-season tyres.

We offer FREE tyre checks on site in Poole so drive in today (there’s no need to book) and get peace of mind that your tyres are safe and legal.

2. Check Wheel Alignment

Potholes are a nightmare, especially in winter, and can easily knock your wheels out of alignment. If your wheels aren’t correctly aligned this will impact your driving experience, fuel economy, vehicle safety and increase costs as your tyres will wear unevenly at an accelerated rate.

If you’re wrestling with your steering wheel head in and see our team who will undertake a FREE wheel alignment check.

3. Check Your Fluids

If you haven’t changed your oil since before winter now is a good time to get it sorted. Failing to change your oil regularly can hamper vehicle performance, increase fuel consumption and ultimately damage your engine.

Now is also a good time to check your coolant, power steering, brake and gearbox fluids are all sufficiently topped up / replaced. Ignoring your fluids can lead to damage and a costly repair bill.

4. Lather Up

Don’t go thinking that spring-cleaning is only for your house. Your car needs some love too! Get out your car cleaning equipment of choice and get to work removing the grime and salt from your car, both inside and out. Not only, will your car look more aesthetically pleasing (yes, we are stating the obvious), but removing the salt will reduce the risk of paint damage and metal corrosion.

It’s important to remember to clean the underside of your car too. Yes, this might not be as visible as up top, but you need to get to work to remove the gunk and grime from here too. Don’t worry about a detailers finish, a hose and bit of good old-fashioned elbow grease will do the job.

5. Inspect Your Windscreen

Gritters are great for road safety but a nightmare for windscreens. Take the time to inspect your windscreen for any chips, cracks or damage that you may have picked up over the winter months. If you spot something don’t ignore it. A damaged windscreen will affect vehicle safety in the event of a crash and will impair your vision as we see sunnier weather.

Once you’ve given your windscreen the once over inspect your wiper blades and replace if necessary. Worn or damaged blades won’t be of much use in a spring shower! Finally, check your windscreen washer fluid is topped up.

6. Be Cool

Don’t be left getting a sweat on as the temperature heats up. Test your air conditioning at full power and make sure it’s blowing out cold air. If it isn’t, it’s time for an air conditioning service.

7. Check Your Belts And Hoses

Winter weather and the freezing temperatures it brings can damage rubber parts including belts and hoses. Check and replace if you spot any wear and tear including leaks, hardening or softening of rubber and cracks.

Buy Car Parts Online