Top Tips to Prepare Your Car for Spring
Finally we are starting to see the first signs of spring, which means that soon enough we’ll be able to leave the low temperatures and harsh weather conditions of winter behind us. This is good news for our cars which tend to struggle in the winter months, and for anyone planning spring road trips, here are some tips on how to get your car ready for spring!
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Test your vehicle battery
Winter weather conditions take a toll on vehicle batteries, as drivers tend to use heating and lights more. If your car battery is a few years old, now is a good time to check that it has plenty of charge. The last thing that you’d want is to break down during your road trip! Take your car to a garage to get this tested.
Inspect your tyres
You’ll also want to make sure that your tyres are in good condition before any long journeys. Check them over to make sure there are no cuts or bulges, and check that the tread is above the minimum requirement of 1.6mm. If you are happy that your tyres are in good shape, fill them up with air, ensuring that they are set at the recommended pressure. This will help to keep you safe on your journey, and it will be more economical. If there you find any issues with your tyres, take your vehicle to a professional for further inspection or tyre replacement.
Top up your vehicle fluids
Now is also an ideal time to check and top up your vehicle’s fluid levels. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and windscreen wash. This will ensure that your car’s components function effectively and ensuring that you have enough screen wash will improve your visibility.
Check all of your vehicle lights
Your vehicle’s lights are likely to have seen more use over winter with less daylight hours and gloomy weather, so it would be wise to check that your bulbs are still bright and clear. Find someone to walk around your vehicle and check as you apply your brake lights, headlights, rear lights, side lights and indicators. You should also ensure that the plastic casings are clean as this could dim the lights.
Do some spring cleaning
Talking of cleaning your light casings, it is also important that your windscreen and wipers are clean to optimise your visibility. In winter, vehicles tend to pick up more grime from the roads so it is important to make sure these parts in particular, as well as your vehicle number plates are clear. Plus, cleaning cars in spring when the weather is a bit warmer is a bit nicer than doing it in winter.
If you are looking to get a new car this year, there are over a thousand used cars in Derby to choose from at Hilton Garage! Browse the latest selection and find out if we have the perfect vehicle to meet your needs, preferences and budget at our used car supermarket! You’ll get a great deal when you part exchange your current car and we offer highly competitive car finance options.