With wild weather and unpredictable temperatures, spring car care can be tricky. There’s a lot to think about.
Thankfully, we’ve got some expert advice to help you out.
Here, our Technical Customer Support Manager, Scott Wilson, explains how best to look after your motor over the next few months.
What’s the main reason for breakdowns this time of year?
Having a flat battery is the main reason people break down in the winter and when colder temperatures hit in spring.
There are few reasons why flat batteries are the biggest culprit. When engines are cold the engine oil becomes thicker, meaning it needs more energy to turn it over. But cold batteries have reduced power, so can struggle to get enough to the engine.
Alongside the temperature, often when you’re driving in the winter you use extra battery power. The lights are on, your heater’s going full blast, you get it comfortable – and we don’t blame you. Because of the extra electrical loads, the battery never gets back up to a good state of charge.
So, add all that together (often with an old battery that has failing cells) and chilly weather in the Spring can cause havoc to your battery.
What can drivers do to prevent it?
The easiest way to avoid your battery failing is to get it checked before the cold weather starts. If you haven’t had it checked so far this winter, now’s the time.
Most garages will be able to do a battery test and tell you what state your battery is in. If the result is borderline, then it would be advisable to get the battery charged and have it retested.
If you want to get your battery checked over, we can help you find a trusted local garage here.
When / if you need a new battery, make it a priority to get a new one as soon as possible.
How should people care for their vehicles in Spring?
We have go-to advice for any time of year, but these checks are particularly important when the weather’s a bit hit and miss.
- As we said above, make sure to get your battery checked over.
- Make sure you’ve got plenty of oil, coolant, washer fluid, and antifreeze.
- Check your tyres for both pressure and tread depth.
- Watch your wipers, and make sure they’re still clearing the screen properly.
Not sure how to do these checks? This blog has all the info you need.
What should drivers do as temperatures change?
Considering February and March have had both snow and heatwaves in the last few years, this is a big one.
Our biggest piece of advice may seem obvious, but just be aware of weather forecasts and how long your journey is. That way, you can prepare for any situation (which can really help in the worst-case scenario, if you do break down).
For the warmer weather, make sure you have water to drink. And when colder weather strikes, make sure you have suitable clothing to keep you warm.
The key takeaways.
Check, check, and check again.
While we’re ready to spring into action if you breakdown this Spring, these checks really can help prevent a breakdown from happening. If you only do one thing from the list, make sure to check your battery ASAP.
It’s particularly important to do this before a long journey. For any bank holiday trips, do these checks before you go.
Oh, and while we’ve called it spring car care, it’s great if you do these throughout the year.
And remember, if you need breakdown cover, we’re here to help.