Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to check your motor is in top shape for the months ahead.
In fact, searches for ‘car maintenance and repair near me’ have increased by 90% over the last three months, showing more drivers are taking car care seriously.
To help drivers give their car some TLC, the experts at Vertu Motors have shared simple yet effective spring maintenance tips for your motor.
1. Give your car a deep clean
The first thing to do is hose off the dirtiest parts of your car. These are the areas around the wheels, exhaust and bumpers. Grime, mud, road salt and other debris builds up over the winter and can damage paint and metal. If this isn’t seen to, you will be left with noticeable spots of rust all over the body of your car.
To avoid this, spray down the exterior of your car to remove as much dirt and grit as possible. This is so that you don’t scrape the paint and metal when applying soap and wax with a sponge. Make sure you get into every nook and cranny to ensure that no dirt remains. And most importantly, rinse away the soap as you go.
2. Check your tyres
Tyres are the sole point of contact between your motor and the road. As they are a key part of your overall safety, they should be checked thoroughly. Take the time to carry out a visual inspection of all your tyres. If you spot any wear or damage, then you should think about getting them replaced.
Another aspect that requires close monitoring is tyre pressure. Tyres with low pressure can be unstable and make handling harder, increasing your breaking distances and the risk of a tyre blowout.
To check your pressure, remove the dust cap on the valve and place the pressure gauge onto the valve stem. Press the gauge down onto the stem until you get a reading. You can deflate your tyre at home and inflate it at a suitable pump. However, if you are at all uncertain about doing this yourself, then book a free tyre check as soon as possible.
3. Inspect windshield wiper blades
Windscreen wipers have been your friend through the rain and snow, so now it’s time to look after them. Give them a check over to see if there are any cracks in the rubber. A tell-tale sign that your windscreen wipers need replacing is if they are making a squeaking noise or dragging across the windscreen. If you notice any of this, then it’s time to get them replaced.
4. Monitor your fluid levels
Your engine works a bit harder during the winter months and this can cause condensation to build-up. Over time, this causes wear and tear on your engine.
This can be identified through a significant drop in fluid levels. Missing fluid is either leaking or being consumed by the engine.
Different fluids should be checked at different intervals. While windshield washer fluid should be checked once a month, brake fluid only needs to be checked every two to three months. This means manually checking the fluid line instead of relying on the dashboard indicators. Regular checks ensure you won’t be caught out when you least expect it.
5. Sanitise your AC
As temperatures rise, blasting the air con is an absolute must to stay cool. However, you could be filling your motor with dust and pathogens. That’s because when it is cold outside, the air conditioning is very rarely used. This allows dust and bacteria to build up, which is why it is so vital to get your AC checked out.
Unless you are a mechanic, this isn’t something you can easily do. So, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional who can provide an air conditioning treatment that will kill the bacteria, clear out the dust and give your motor that lovely new car smell.
6. Check your battery
Batteries tend to take a bit of a hammering in the winter. Headlights used more frequently to combat the longer nights. Heaters are on at full blast for longer to stave off the cold. All of this, while great for the driver, can drain your battery, especially if it’s an already struggling one.
Checking your battery requires technical equipment and knowledge. Therefore, if you are unsure then you should seek professional help. To make sure you are not caught out, keep a battery charger or some jump leads handy.
