Spring car check

Spring isn’t a season to rest on your car check laurels. It might not have the dramatic extremes of weather autumn, winter and summer flaunt at us, but it’s still a season whose elemental changes can alter the balance of your car.

Hence this steer about a spring car check from your friends at Dumfries MOT Centre.

Wheels of fortune

After the ravages of winter, it’s prudent to check them in spring so that you don’t have to resort a Flintstone’s situation. You might even consider swapping winter tyres with summer or all-season tyres for optimum performance in more clement weather.

The UK legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but for robust grip and safety, aim for at least 3mm.

Tyre pressure can be a casualty of cold weather, so check and inflate them to the recommended PSI, and while you’re at it, might be time to go all CSI and look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, which might indicate alignment or suspension issues.

Absolute power

The legacy of winter can also wreak havoc on your car battery by draining it to the point it may require a test from us.

Being slow to start could indicate that the battery needs replacing, especially if you’ve been taking bitty trips and not given the battery a good long-distance run.

Bitterness is corrosive to the soul, like winter to your battery. Get in amongst those terminals people and make them spick and span.

Connections must be tight, and if your battery is over three years old, it might be that you bring it to us for a test, to ensure it’s fit for purpose. You don’t want to be that person on the hard shoulder in the rain everybody’s laughing at.

Ice screen

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car, and your care could be all cried out of windscreen wash, engine oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid.

Get the picture?

Dirty oil reduces efficiency, so change it if needed. An oil and filter change may be required. We can do that for you.

Coolant and antifreeze are vital for engine temperature regulation, and when it comes to brake fluid, you don’t need us to tell you that spongy brakes are a huge red flag. We can check them for you.

Spring showers bring pollen and dust, so keep your screen clean by topping up your screen wash reservoir.

Wipe swap

You don’t want to be caught out with wipers that just smear grease and streak debris over the windscreen to leave a buttery film. And if they’re making that awful rubbery scraping noise from hell.

A new pair of wiper blades can be like a new pair of glasses. Spring might just be the season when you decide to swap them for some spiffing new blades.

You can also get windscreen wiper fluid that beats insects and pollen and there are of course sustainable options available now too!

Grit your teeth

Salt, grit, and mud. Winter roads are a pain and don’t give a flying fig about your car’s paintwork.

Time to muster your grit on a Sunday morning, grab a bucket and specialist cloth, cleaning solution etc and give the exterior a right good wash down. It’ll reduce the risk of rust for starters.

Then you might have to go for those hard-to-reach bits underneath the car like you do with your toothbrush at the back of your mouth, but you might also consult your car’s manual to ensure you’re doing it right.

Vacuum out mud and leaves, give those annoying little stones the boot, clean the dashboard, and consider replacing air fresheners for a fresh seasonal feel.

You’re lit!

Yes, it’s brighter and you’re using them a bit less often. That’s why it’s easier for a broken bulb to slip through the net and go undetected until you’re pulled over by the cops!

Get the lights lit, and don’t forget the rear-intensity fog light either, and you might also want to check for condensation inside the casings.

Trouble and squeak

Your brakes build up their muscles in winter, and if they are a bit worn out, you’ll hear squeaking and grinding noises when breaking. A sure sign of worn pads.

Check your brake fluid level and top up if needed, and if you notice reduced stopping power, give us a call right away.

Make it breezy on yourself

Spring brings warmer weather, and there’s a good chance your air conditioning went unused all winter.

You might want to run it to check if it’s still blowing cold and replace the cabin air filter as it could have collected dust and debris in winter.

If it’s musty, perhaps you should consider an air-con cleaner or professional service. And an air freshener.

Salt of the earth

Salt and road grit, even mud, can leave small scratches and chips in your car’s paint, which, if left untreated, can lead to rust.

Also, check for chips or scratches and banish them with paint or sealant. You might also wish to wax your car for an extra layer of protection. A professional detailing service can restore shine.

Summer drives ahead

With better weather, you’re more likely to take longer drives. Make sure your car is ready for road trips by checking the spare tyre is fit for purpose, with essentials like a first-aid kit and jump leads, that your car is well packed for summer excursions, and that you’re travelling safely with your pets.