Spring cleaning isn’t just for houses. Now’s also the perfect time to give your car a quick check up, spruce up, and tidy up. We know winter can be hard on cars – with the wet weather, road salt and cold all taking a toll. And then we move into spring, where bank holidays and warmer weather inspire more trips and longer drives.
Why not use these checks to give your car a reset and make it a safer, smoother, and more efficient drive.
1. Wash off winter
All that salt buildup from winter road gritting is a recipe for rust. Don’t forget the wheels and underside of your car, too. Plenty of mud, grime and salt get stuck there.
2. Check your tyres
Cold weather can lower pressures more quickly, so spring is a good time to check your tyres are at the recommended levels. While you’re there, you could also check the tread and sidewalls for wear.
3. Top up screen wash
Clear visibility is a vital part of keeping yourself – and others – safe on the road. Spring showers, road spray, bugs, and pollen are a staple this time of year, so make sure your screen wash is kept topped up.
4. Check your wipers
Sticking with the theme of visibility, remember to give your wipers a once over. If they smear or squeak, it’s time for a replacement set to keep things clean and clear no matter the weather.
5. Give the inside a spring clean
Give the mats a going over with the vacuum. Wipe down surfaces, remove any mud or moisture, and don’t forget the inside of your windscreen.
6. Clear leaves and debris
Spring gives us a lot of flower blossoms, so check around your windscreen and bonnet for any that have got caught up, alongside leaves and other debris. Keep your car looking good and running smoothly.
7. De-clutter the boot
The boot can be a magnet for ‘just in case’ odds and ends. Giving it a clear-out not only makes room to pack for trips and holidays, it’s also good for your car. A lighter car has better fuel economy and generates less wear, so decluttering is always worth a minute of your time.
8. Test your lights
Mornings and evenings may be brighter, but your lights still need to be in tip-top shape. Test your headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators. Replace any dead bulbs and wipe off any grime that could dull the shine.
9. Check the oil
Give your dipstick a dip and check your oil levels. If it’s low, give it a top up as soon as possible. Oil is essential for your engine, and the last thing you need is a long wait for rescue on the hard shoulder in holiday traffic.
10. Quick battery check
Batteries can find the cold months as draining as we do. It’s a good time to check for signs it needs replacing – like if your car takes a while to start, systems like the lights and heater are slow to respond, or your battery warning light comes on.
11. Check windscreen for chips
When the temperature rises, little chips can expand into big cracks before you know it. Heat causes glass to expand, which stresses any defects in the glass. Give your windscreen a good look over and get any issues repaired.
12. Test the air-con
It’s a good time to check your air-con is fully working – you don’t want to be in the height of summer only to find it’s barely keeping things cool. Run it for a few minutes and make sure it’s getting cold. If it smells musty or feels weak, it may need a clean or service before summer kicks in.
13. Check the spare
Don’t wait until you need it – get out your spare tyre and make sure it’s in good condition and ready for action if its moment arises. You might also want to double check what type of spare you have.
Now you’ve given your car its 13-point spring clean, you and your SEAT are set for a spring and summer of relaxed and safe driving.
