Spring into action: The big 5 vehicle checks every driver should do now
Spring vehicle checks guide by Steve Clarke, Marketing Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions
Winter rarely leaves quietly. It exits with a trail of salt, stressed batteries and tyres that have wrestled one pothole too many.
Spring is the moment to reset. Lighter mornings, brighter evenings and those unpredictable showers mean now is the ideal time to give your vehicle a proper health check.
Even better, many of these checks can be built directly into your daily compliance routine using the CheckedSafe Drivers Walk Round App. That means no paper forms, no guesswork and a clear digital record that your vehicles are road ready.
The Big 5 spring vehicle checks
1. Tyres: Condition, pressure and tread
Winter potholes can damage sidewalls and knock alignment off balance.
Check for cracks, bulges and uneven wear. Use the 20p coin test. If you can see the outer band of the coin, you are below the recommended safety limit.
Tyre condition and tread depth checks are easily logged within the CheckedSafe app, giving you a time stamped record for compliance and peace of mind.
2. Wiper blades and screenwash
Ice and salt can perish wiper rubber over winter. If they smear or judder, replace them.
Top up with a quality screenwash, not just water. Spring brings pollen, road film and spray. Visibility is everything.
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we can supply premium screenwash, ideal for fleets that want consistent performance and cost control across multiple vehicles.
3. Fluids: The lifeblood
Engine oil. Coolant. Brake fluid. Power steering fluid. And do not forget anti freeze.
These fluids keep everything operating smoothly and safely. Check levels regularly and top up where required.
Anti freeze is not just for winter. It protects your engine from corrosion all year round and maintains correct cooling performance as temperatures rise. We can supply both anti freeze and coolant solutions to help keep your fleet protected in every season.
Fluid and other checks can also be incorporated into your digital walk round inspections via CheckedSafe, ensuring nothing gets missed and every check is recorded.
4. Battery health
Cold starts put batteries under strain, and many fail just as temperatures improve.
Watch for start up hesitation or dimming lights. If in doubt, get it tested before it leaves you stranded. Battery condition can also be flagged during your driver walk round checks, helping you spot early warning signs.
5. External lights
Check headlights, indicators and brake lights.
If you are alone, use a garage wall to see the reflection of your brake lights. A simple check that prevents serious risk. Lighting checks are easily documented within the CheckedSafe system, keeping your compliance airtight.
The spring clean checklist
Undercarriage wash
Road salt clings to the underside of your vehicle. Left unchecked, it encourages corrosion. A thorough underbody wash removes winter residue and protects your chassis.
Air conditioning
Test your air conditioning now before the first warm spell. If it is not blowing cold, it likely needs a re gas service.
Windscreen chips
Small chips can expand into full cracks as temperatures fluctuate. Check early and repair promptly.
Pro tip: Listen to the clues
If your vehicle is leaning to one side or you hear a clunk over bumps, check your suspension coil springs for snaps or sagging. Catching this early avoids larger repair bills and keeps handling predictable.
Spring vehicle checks are not just about cleaning. They are about control, compliance and cost prevention.
By combining practical maintenance, digital driver walk round checks through CheckedSafe, and reliable supplies such as premium screenwash and anti freeze from Fleetmaxx Solutions, you are not just reacting to problems. You are staying ahead of them.
A little attention now keeps your vehicles safe, compliant and firmly on the road where they belong.
