Get a spring car check-up and put winter behind you

As the cold, ice and bad weather of winter starts to recede, it is only natural for vehicle owners to start putting the frustrations of the last few months behind them and looking forward to a new season. The experts at Bosch Car Service can help you deal with the inevitable deterioration in the state of your vehicle over the winter. They will also ensure that you are prepared for anything else the unpredictable spring weather can throw at you.

Winter causes your car to deteriorate in a variety of ways, and repair or replacement of parts may be required as a result.

Cold is obviously a major factor behind winter deterioration. One of the most common problems caused by low temperatures is damage to the battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge. This can result in failure to start the engine. In addition, the air in your tyres may have lost pressure due to the cold. This can affect handling and fuel efficiency, so bringing the tyres up to the correct pressure is an important aspect of the spring car check-up.

Ice is another destructive feature of winter weather. For example, when it has been allowed to collect on the windscreen, it can damage the wiper rubbers. As a result, the blades will no longer clear away rain and snow effectively. You may also find that water freezing in pipes has caused fluid leaks. This is potentially very dangerous and needs to be resolved urgently.

Other causes of deterioration include the salt or chemicals that are used on roads in icy conditions. They can lead to corrosion of bodywork, especially on the underside of the vehicle. Noticing it and dealing with the problem before it spreads is essential.

How often have we felt a bit of sun on our backs and decided that the winter is over, only to find ourselves shivering in sub-zero temperatures a few days later? It is very important that a spring check ensures that your vehicle is ready for the unexpected return of harsh conditions, with fluids and other items replenished or replaced.

Windscreen sprays and coolant are obviously important items on the top-up list. Both must be capable of dealing with the coldest possible conditions in your area. It is also important to avoid mixing different fluid types, as this will make them less effective. Bosch Car Service will take care of all that for you.

Another item that may need to be replaced in order to ensure that you remain fully prepared for poor conditions is your vehicle’s set of light bulbs. In the spring, you may still be driving around in the dark, since the daylight hours are still fairly short. You may also find that you need to use your fog lights, especially in the early morning. The bulbs in fog lights are particularly important checklist items because we use them so rarely – they can break and go unnoticed.

All replacement items and materials used by Bosch Car Service are high-quality and OEM standard.

But the spring car check-up is not just about the effects of winter. It is also about looking forward to a new season. Spring is one of those times when it feels good to give things a thorough checking over and get them in good working order.

The comprehensive list of spring car care items covered in your spring check includes the following:

• Brake action
• Brake fluid level
• Cooling system
• Air filter
• Engine oil level
• Battery
• Anti-freeze
• Horn
• Drive Belt
• Exhaust stystem
• Wiper blades
• Lights
• Tyre tread
• Inflation pressure
• Windscreen washer system
• Door locks/seals

If problems are detected during the service, Bosch Car Service will contact you to suggest a remedy and ask your permission to proceed with the work.