The cold weather of winter is heading into the past, which means that it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the warmer weather. When you’re driving in the winter, the weather and road treatments can wreak havoc on your car including salt, snow, and ice.
All these elements can damage everything from the undercarriage and tyres to the windshield wipers, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your car is ready for spring and summer.
Wipers
If you can’t remember the last time, you replaced your windscreen wipers then it’s probably time to change them as part of your preparation for spring driving. Most windscreen wipers have a shelf life of approximately 6 to 12 months, and if you’ve had an especially bad winter then it might be time to change them soon. Give your windscreen a wash with the windscreen fluid and see how well the wipers deal with the water. If they still work well, then a thorough clean may be the only thing needed.
Fluids
Get all of your vehicle’s fluids topped off and filled, especially windshield wiper fluid. It empties quickly during the winter when it is constantly being used to clean grime from the windshield.
Engine oil protects the engine against wear and tear. It is important to keep it full so that the engine and its working parts continue to function properly.
Another important fluid to monitor is brake fluid. Brake fluid transfers the pressure from your foot on the pedal to the wheel. If the brakes do not have enough fluid, it will take more time and effort to stop your vehicle.
Brakes
The bad weather during the winter can put a strain on your brakes. This means that when the better weather rolls around again, it’s best to get your brakes tested. This can be done at a regular car service and make sure everything is working well. Signs that show your brakes may not be at their best include squeaking noises and grinding sounds. To make sure you and your family are safe, make sure your brakes are tested for spring.
Tyres and wheel alignment
It is inevitable that cars hit potholes and other dips and bumps that crop up on roads during the winter. That can throw your wheels out of alignment and cause a wide range of problems, including stress on your car’s suspension, uneven tyre wear and other potentially dangerous issues. Here at Bodymek, we are happy to check your car’s wheel alignment, so feel free to stop by.
Battery
Inspect and clean your battery if needed. Look at the contacts, and if there is a white corrosive build up, clean it. Use a stiff toothbrush and a baking soda/water mixture to remove it. If you prefer a professional to do this, bring your car to our Northampton workshop and we can check your battery to make sure that it’s still able to hold a charge adequately.
Give your car some TLC
It is important to give your car a thorough clean, making sure to wash the undercarriage, as salt, dirt, and grime can build up on the underside of the car during the Winter months. If left untouched it can lead to rust and other problems. Spray down your vehicle, thoroughly washing under the bumpers and beneath the wheel wells, and anywhere else that dirt can splash into, before giving your car a warm wash with a proper vehicle shampoo.
