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Seasonal Maintenance Your Vehicle: A Checklist For Keeping Your Car Happy All Year Round

Just like we change our wardrobes with the seasons, our vehicles also benefit from adjustments throughout the year. Extreme temperatures, rain, and even sunshine can take a toll on your car.  By following a seasonal maintenance routine, you can ensure your vehicle performs optimally, avoid breakdowns, and extend its overall lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of key maintenance tasks to consider for each season.

Spring:

Spring is a time for renewal, and your car is no exception! After enduring the harsh winter months, it deserves some TLC  and a good spring clean to set it up for the year to come. Here’s what you should focus on:

  • Cleaning: Give your car a thorough wash and wax to remove winter grime, salt, and road debris from the winter period. Pay special attention to the undercarriage to prevent rust. 
  • Tyres: Spring is a great time to swap out winter tyres for all-season or summer tyres (depending on your climate). Check the tyre pressure and tread depth, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s recommendations and legal requirements.
  • Fluids: Schedule an oil change and filter replacement using the recommended oil for your car’s engine. Top up other vital fluids like windshield wiper fluid, coolant, gearbox fluids and power steering fluid.
  • Air Filter: Replace the clogged air filter that traps winter dust and debris. A clean air filter allows for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. 
  • Wiper Blades: Winter weather can wreak havoc on wiper blades. Check for cracks, tears, or worn-out rubber, and replace them if needed. Ensure your wiper fluid reservoir is full.
  • Brakes: After winter driving conditions, it’s crucial to have your brakes inspected for wear and tear, particularly if there is any change in performance.
  • Cabin Air Filter:  A fresh cabin air filter removes dust, pollen, and allergens, improving air quality inside your car. 

Summer:

Summer here in England can bring some unusual weather. From scorching heat and dry weather to sudden rain, preparing your car to keep cool and properly functioning throughout is crucial. During summer you should:

  • Cooling System: Inspect the radiator hoses and clamps for leaks or cracks. WE can conduct a full coolant flush and refill for you where needed, or if recommended for your vehicle. 
  • Battery: Extreme heat can affect battery performance.  Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition and the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. 
  • Tyres: Hot weather can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate. Check and adjust tyre pressure regularly, especially before long trips. 
  • Air Conditioning: Ensure your air conditioning system is functioning properly by having it recharged if needed. Replace the cabin air filter for optimal cooling efficiency. 
  • Engine Oil: If you haven’t changed your oil recently, make sure it’s the correct viscosity for summer weather to provide proper lubrication. 

Autumn:

As the leaves start changing, it’s time to start preparing your car for the colder months ahead. This can include:

  • Tyres: Consider switching back to winter tyres if you live in an area with snow and ice.  Double-check the tread depth and overall condition of your tyres. 
  • Battery: Winter temperatures can stress your battery.  If your battery is nearing its lifespan, consider a replacement to avoid a cold-weather breakdown. 
  • Wiper Blades: Ensure your wiper blades are in good condition and top up the windshield wiper fluid with a winterised formula to prevent freezing. 
  • Fluids: Check and top up all vital fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. 
  • Lights: Inspect all headlights, taillights, and brake lights to ensure proper functioning for shorter daylight hours. 
  • Heater and Defroster: Test your heater and defroster to ensure they are working efficiently on those chilly mornings. 

Winter:

Winter brings the harshest conditions for your car. Cold weather, ice, snow, dirt and salt on the road can all play a part in creating problems for your car. Here’s how to keep it running smoothly:

  • Battery: Battery performance is crucial during winter.  If you haven’t already, consider replacing an ageing battery to avoid cold-start issues. 
  • Antifreeze/Coolant: Ensure your coolant mixture has the proper antifreeze concentration to prevent freezing and protect your engine block. 
  • Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a winterised windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing and ensure clear visibility during snow and sleet. 
  • Wiper Blades: Winter wiper blades are essential for clearing snow and ice. Consider replacing worn-out blades with winter-specific ones. 
  • Door Locks and Hinges: Lubricate door locks and hinges to prevent them from freezing shut. 
  • Emergency Kit: Prepare a winter emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, and a non-perishable food supply. 

If your vehicle is in need of a service or repairs at any point throughout the year, we are on hand to help. From engine repairs and gearbox repairs to car servicing and maintenance, our team are well versed in all kinds of makes and models. For more information on how we can help, simply get in touch with our team, today.