Make sure your cars are ready for spring

Change your tyres

Winter can take a toll on your tyres, so now is the ideal time to inspect them. Cold weather affects tyre pressure, and low pressure can lead to a harsher ride, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised steering. To ensure maximum safety and savings, check your tyre pressure when they are cold and compare the readings to the recommendations in your owner’s manual.

Additionally, rotating your tyres helps extend their lifespan. Front tyres wear faster than rear tyres, so swapping them around will equalise tread wear and improve performance. If you switched to winter tyres for the colder months, be sure to change back to summer or all-season tyres, as winter tyres wear out much faster in warmer conditions.

Inspect your brakes

While checking your tyres, it’s also a good time to inspect your brakes. Look out for dirt, rust, or any signs of wear that could affect braking performance. Before removing your tyres, test your brakes in a safe environment, listening for unusual sounds and noting any delayed response. If anything seems off, have a professional check your brake system to ensure everything is in optimal condition.

Check your wheel alignment

Winter roads are notorious for potholes, and driving over them can throw your vehicle’s alignment off. A simple way to check your alignment is to see if your car pulls to one side while driving. If it does, it’s crucial to get it checked as soon as possible, as poor alignment can cause uneven tyre wear and make steering more difficult. A visit to a professional mechanic can get your car back on track.

Give your car a thorough wash

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home! Over winter, salt, dirt, and grime accumulate on your car, particularly underneath, which can lead to rust if left unchecked. Take the time to wash your vehicle properly, paying special attention to the undercarriage, bumpers, and wheel wells. A good clean with proper vehicle shampoo will help maintain the condition of your car’s paintwork and prevent long-term damage.

Take an audit of your fuel costs

Spring is a great time to check that you are not paying over the odds for your diesel and petrol. Fleetmaxx would be delighted to undertake a fuel bill analysis to make sure you are getting the best price. If you use fuel cards, we can also ensure you are not paying any hidden extra charges.

Replace your windscreen wipers

If you haven’t replaced your windscreen wipers in a while, now is the time to do so. Most wipers last between six months to a year, but harsh winter conditions can wear them down faster. Test your wipers by running your washer fluid—if they leave streaks or don’t clear the screen effectively, it’s time for a replacement.

Top up your washer fluid

Spring may herald a welcome improvement in the weather, but it can also bring things that make a mess of your windscreen, such as insects and pollen in the air.

Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up so you can keep the glass clear at all times and drive safely. This will also help you keep your vehicle clean so you don’t undo all the hard work of your post-winter car wash. Fleetmaxx supplies a range of premium screen wash.

Have a look at the engine

Mud, leaves, and all sorts of other things can gather in a car’s engine during the winter, so take a look under the bonnet to clear out any dirt and debris before spring driving.

This will help you maintain engine health, and also give you a chance to top up your oil, antifreeze, and water, if necessary.

Clean the car interior

Spring is the perfect excuse to give your car’s interior a deep clean. Remove any winter clutter and check that your carpets aren’t damp, as moisture can lead to electrical issues. Pay close attention to your floor mats and pedals to ensure they are clean and in good condition. A tidy, fresh-smelling car makes for a more pleasant driving experience.

Check AdBlue levels

If you have a diesel vehicle, ensure that your AdBlue levels are correct and that you are purchasing licensed, high-quality AdBlue from a trusted supplier. By buying directly from a manufacturer like Fleetmaxx, you can save up to 50% off forecourt prices.

Inspect your battery, fluids, and filters

Cold weather can be tough on your car battery, so check its charge to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Inspect your spark plugs, hoses, belts, and fluid levels, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid. Replacing your air filter can also improve your car’s fuel efficiency, as winter debris can clog the filter and reduce performance.