It’s time for a spring clean

You could hardly call it spring yet, but with temperatures creeping slowly up and patches of blue sky appearing, it looks like the worst of the winter is behind us. That’s the cue for some maintenance to rid your car of the unpleasant effects of the cold. When overnight temperatures drop to freezing point or less, many roads are covered with a layer of salt, which lowers water’s freezing point and prevents the road icing over. Great stuff! Well, not entirely, because just about the worst thing you can coat a car’s exposed metal underside with is salt. Now is the time to shake off the dust and refresh your car ahead of spring with these top tips.

Clean your car thoroughly. Don’t use washing-up liquid because it contains salts that can corrode some metalwork. If you prefer to have your car washed elsewhere, choose a hand-washing station and ask the attendants to pay special attention to cleaning inside your car’s wheel arches and behind the front and rear bumpers, where salt collects heavily.

Check your tyres for damage. In winter when the roads are generally wet more often, the water acts as a lubricant and makes it easier for sharp objects to push through a tyre. Corner by corner lift one wheel off the floor safely using the jack in your car’s tool kit and check the entire tread carefully. This could save your life.

Get rid of all the built-up rubbish in your car, whether it’s drinks bottles, fast food packaging or cans of de-icer. You don’t want it rattling around the cabin while you’re driving.

Clean your upholstery. With the rotten weather your seats will almost certainly have become ingrained with dirt that you might not have noticed building up. Most dark upholstery is very poor at showing how badly it needs a clean. Special interior shampoos are available for not much money and will return your seats to their best. As for your carpets, vacuum them thoroughly until completely clean, especially beneath floor mats.

Fluid levels might be low after a season spent spraying the windscreen and getting through oil or coolant. Flip your bonnet up and check the levels of all fluids. Your car’s owner’s manual will help you identify what’s what – and never add fluids if you’re not completely sure what you’re doing.

There’s a chance any of your lights could have blown so you should check them. It’s a cheap and often simple thing to fix. Some stores will even fit them for you for an extra fee. Plus, driving around with blown light bulbs could get you a minimum £30 fine – per defective bulb.

Other parts of the car would have had a hard time in winter, like the battery. Pay attention to your car’s habits and if anything is abnormal, look into it. Most makes of car have very useful internet forums dedicated to their ownership, maintenance and troubleshooting.