- Top car spring cleaning tips
- Spruce up your exterior and interior
- How to use the right cleaning products
- Don’t forget to check the state of your tyres
- A spring clean could even keep road rage in check
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These top car spring cleaning hacks could protect your pride and joy for the rest of the year - and also stop you being hit with a fine and points on your licence.
Cold winter months can play havoc with vehicles, with an accumulation of road salt causing rust and corrosion and batteries taking a battering.
Your car’s interior might also be showing signs of winter strain, with mud traipsed into the cabin by soggy dogs and family members.
(VW ID.7)
So, now is the perfect time to give your motor a once over - and don’t forget to check the state of your tyres.
Driving with illegal tyres in the UK can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
Similarly, if your windscreen wipers are perished you could also be hit with an on-the-spot fine of £100 and points on your licence, under ‘driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition’ rules.
(BYD Seal 6)
Freshen up the exterior
- Wash away winter grime: Road salt, dirt and debris can build up on the bodywork, wheel arches and undercarriage. A warm wash with a dedicated vehicle detergent and a soft cloth works wonders. Start at the roof and work down and let stubborn areas soak to loosen the dirt.
- Protect your paintwork: A light wax will restore shine and add a protective layer. Use a microfibre cloth or chamois to avoid streaks and fine scratches. And always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
(BYD Atto 3 EVO)
- Check your tyres: Look for wear or damage and ensure tread depth is at legal limits. The law states a depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. In reality, though, anything below 3mm should be replaced - and that’s the standard many manufacturers recommend. If you’ve been using winter tyres, now’s the time to switch back to summer rubber. Don’t forget to check pressures (ambient temperature can impact on tyre pressure) and inspect the spare or repair kit to make sure it’s present and correct.
- Inspect your wipers: Winter weather can cause cracking and wear in wiper rubber, so replace blades if they’re not clearing the screen effectively. And, remember, it’s an offence to drive a vehicle with faulty wipers.
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Overhaul the interior
- Clear out winter clutter: Remove hats, gloves, de-icers and scrapers. A small ‘essentials box’ is all you need to keep things clutter free and avoid storing things you don’t need in the glovebox. Interestingly, we recently chatted with a wellbeing expert who suggested a messy car interior might even lead to an increased road rage risk. Therapist Mike Fisher, founder of the British Association of Anger Management (BAAM), told us: “If you’re driving around in a vehicle that’s a tip, it can actually have a huge knock-on effect for your mood. Your car is often viewed as your safe space but if it’s chaotic and cluttered it could have a negative impact on your frame of mind before you even begin your journey.”
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- Vacuum carpets and upholstery: Vacuum your air vents, too, as it removes dust, allergens, and debris while improving air quality. Regular vacuuming is also key for hay fever sufferers as it helps to rid your car from pollen
- Spot clean carefully: Test any cleaning product on a small area first and avoid over wetting fabrics. Choose a dry day so you can leave doors open for quicker drying.
- Clean the windows: Warm water and a microfibre cloth help avoid streaks. And clean both the exterior and interior sides of the glass.
- Wipe down surfaces: A light detergent is usually enough for dashboards, doors, and handles. Hygiene wipes are handy if you have children.
- Safety first: Check your first aid kit and restock if needed.
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Seasonal maintenance checks
- Repair stone chips: These can lead to rust if left untreated. We’ve joined forces with warranty and insurance specialists MotorEasy, who offer Cosmetic Insurance that protects your car in the event of minor scuffs, scratches or dents. Now might be a good time to invest in a package.
- Check fluid levels: Oil, coolant, brake fluid and filters should all be inspected. Book into an authorised garage if anything needs attention.
- Test your air conditioning: No-one wants to melt in an unconditioned car. Make sure the air con is working now before you really need it.
- Check the battery: Cold weather demands more from your car’s battery while also slowing chemical reactions. If you suspect something is amiss after winter, get it checked. One tell-tale sign your battery is struggling is if the stop-start engine system suddenly stops working and stays running while you’re stopped in traffic. If the battery’s health is compromised the stop-start system is automatically disabled to preserve what’s left of the charge.
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