Get your motor ready for spring by following these tips from Auto Medics – your friendly, local car body repair shop High Wycombe – to ensure everything’s in order after the long winter months.
Spring Clean Your Motor
Check Your Fluids
First off, check your fluid levels:
- Oil
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Coolant
To accurately check your fluid levels you must ensure your car is parked on level ground and the engine is cool. If any of these levels are a little low, make sure you top them up to recommended levels. Be sure to use the appropriate fluids for the model of your vehicle. You’ll be able to find these details in the owner’s manual.
Inspect Your Tyres
Tyres that are worn or damaged will compromise your ability to steer, brake and accelerate safely. Decent tyres will ensure your vehicle has the necessary traction and handling, particularly in wet, slippery conditions.
You need to ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Pressures can usually be found in your car owner’s manual, on a sticker inside the driver’s door or on the fuel cap. To check your tyre pressures use a pressure gauge and add air if required.
It’s also important to ensure your tyre treads are within the legal limit. The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. The tread must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.
Signs of uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension problems. If you discover any damage, get your tyres inspected by a professional.
Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too.
Check your brakes
Brakes are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. Getting them checked by a professional regularly will ensure they are functioning correctly and reduce the risk of an accident. If your brakes are squeaking, grinding or vibrating get them looked at by a mechanic.
Check your battery
Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery. By testing the voltage of your battery you can ensure it is fully charged. On average, car batteries last around 3-4 years if you have difficulty starting the engine or notice your headlights are dim, chances are your battery is in need of replacing.
Check your wipers
Your wiper blades ensure good visibility during poor weather conditions such as rain, sleet and snow. The rubber blades of your wipers become worn over time, which reduces the effectiveness of your wipers.
Check the condition of your wipers by lifting them away from the windscreen and inspecting the rubber blade for signs of wear or tear.
Wash and wax your car
Give your car a thorough wash and wax to remove salt and grime that’s built up over the winter months. Salt can prove corrosive to your car’s paintwork, making it important to remove it as soon as possible.
- Start by washing the dirt away with a hose.
- Use a bucket of soapy water and a sponge to wash the car from top to bottom. (Use an appropriate car cleaner.)
- Rinse the car with the hose.
- Dry it with a clean cloth or chamois.
- Once clean and dry, apply wax to protect the paintwork and give your motor a shiny finish.
- Allow the wax to dry and buff with a clean cloth or buffer.
It’s advisable to wash your car every 2 weeks and wax it every 3-6 months to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.
Test your air conditioning
Check your air conditioning is working correctly before summer arrives. Ensure it’s blowing cold air and listen for any unusual noises.
Auto Medics – Your Local Car Body Repair Shop High Wycombe
Following these tips will ensure your car is spring-cleaned and ready for the new season.
If you find your motor is in need of bodywork repairs, visit your friendly, local car body repair shop in High Wycombe. There’s no job too big, no job too small, we are here to keep you moving.
For more information about what we can do for you and your motor, call Auto Medics today on 01494 533 534.
