UK drivers urged to do quick check in the car this weekend

The clocks will go forward this Sunday, signalling the beginning of British Summer Time and hopefully better weather. Sunnier days mean more opportunities to spend long days outdoors with friends and family, as well as fun day trips and staycations.

Because of this, our cars need to be working properly to avoid any pricey repairs. Although winter can be a bad time for breakdowns, motorists need to take extra precautions during sunnier weather too. And there’s a quick check that all drivers should be doing as soon as they step in their cars this weekend.

Car care expert Katie Newman from Carfume says that now is the perfect time to give your vehicle a bit of extra care ahead of the better weather. One thing that drivers really rely on when the weather gets warmer is aircon, and because it’s been so cold, it’s probably not been used in a while.

She said: “After months of minimal use, your air conditioning may not be performing at its best. Winter moisture can lead to a build-up of bacteria in the system, which not only affects performance but can also cause unpleasant odours.”

Before the warmer weather comes, it’s a good idea to test your aircon quickly to ensure it’s blowing cold air efficiently and that there are no unusual smells or noises. If needed, have the system serviced and replace the air filters.

Another job that you may want to do before the sunnier days is waxing your vehicle. Pollen not only causes issues with hay fever sufferers, but it can also cause damage to paintwork if stuck to our vehicles too, especially if left untreated.

Waxing your car over the next couple of weeks will create a protective barrier and prevent pollen from sticking to your car and causing damage to your paintwork.

It’s worth giving the inside of your car a good clean too. Winter can often leave interiors damp, muddy and cluttered, so spring is the perfect time for a deep clean.

Vacuum the carpets and seats, wipe down surfaces, and remove any lingering moisture that could lead to odours. Once clean, refreshing your car with an air freshener will help the interiors feel fresher for longer.

Finally, check your car tyre pressure. Winter’s wet and cold conditions significantly impact your tyres, thanks to the challenging winter roads contributing to wear and tear and reducing the tyre tread depth, and lowering tyre pressure too.

Make any adjustments as needed, and your car will be ready for spring.