After a horrible, dank and dark winter, we are all looking forward to the longer, warmer days of springtime, writes Iain Robertson, but there are a number of important aspects for you to consider for your vehicle’s well-being.
Despite the lovely bright yellows and greens of a typical British spring, the weather tends to follow a pattern of one downpour after another. The demands on your car’s windscreen wiper blades will highlight just how grim winter was, with unwanted streaks appearing directly in your line of sight!
No matter how much screenwash is in its under-bonnet bottle, often the only way to obtain a safer view out is to replace the wiper blades…if your vehicle has a rear wash-wipe system, it is a great opportunity to also check it for wear and tear. Of course, there is still the risk of early morning frost, so it is advisable to top-up the winter screenwash fluid during springtime.
If, like me, you had winter tyres fitted to your car and benefited from the additional grip that they provided, even though we hardly experienced any snow, with the daytime temperature rising above 10-degrees C more consistently, now is a good time to have the summer tyres refitted. Make sure that you have cleared a space in your garage, or shed, to store the covers in readiness for next winter.
A great many families take advantage of the forthcoming Easter holidays, to take a break either at home, or abroad. Therefore, to enhance your vehicle’s dependability, should you partake in a lengthier drive somewhere, you might like to have it checked over thoroughly, perhaps even serviced. Naturally, mention of spring also highlights the possibility of a spring clean, to get rid of all the salt and traffic film that builds up on the outside and underside of the car.
Don’t forget to give the carpets and floormats a good going over and vacuum up any grit and small stones that can damage them. It is not a bad idea to freshen up the door panels and clean out any waste from the pockets and centre console, before installing a suitable air freshener…nothing too niffy, just something to give the interior a pleasant smell.
A great many motorists entrust their vehicles to the friendly specialists at their local Mr Clutch Autocentre. Preparing for spring is every bit as important as carrying out a winter service and the stresses and strains placed on your car’s mechanics and electrics during the winter period can soon be resolved and ensure that it is raring to go for the next few months.
Mr Clutch will carry out its customary, cost-effective minor service package, topping up essential fluids and checking that the battery, brakes, clutch, gearbox, exhaust and dampers are all in sound working condition. They will also inspect the wheels and tyres for pothole damage that you might not have noticed, before ensuring that the tyre pressures are balanced properly.
Let’s face it, taking pride in a clean and well-serviced car, whether it is for commuting to and from work, or for enjoying a weekend drive in the country, can make all the difference and help you to enjoy your motoring once more. Plan to set aside some time for the annual spring clean of your vehicle and book it in for a spring check at Mr Clutch, where you know you and your car will receive service with a welcome smile.