Spring Car Check: Shaking Off Winter
A spring car check undoes winter's wear and tear. Focus on the tyres and wheel alignment after months of potholes, wash off corrosive road salt, check the brakes and battery after heavy cold-weather use, and refresh tired wiper blades and fluids. It is the ideal time to get the car ready for the lighter, warmer months.
Tyres and alignment after the potholes
Winter is pothole season, and months of strikes can leave tyres damaged and alignment knocked out. Spring is the time to put that right.
Check tread and look for bulges or cracks, and if the car pulls or you see uneven wear, have the alignment checked. Correcting it now stops uneven wear eating into your tyres through the summer.
Wash off the winter salt
Road salt keeps us moving in winter but it is corrosive, attacking bodywork, brake components and the underside of the car. As the cold weather ends, give the car a thorough wash.
Pay attention to the wheel arches and underbody where salt and grime collect. Clearing it off helps protect against rust and keeps the car looking and lasting better, which matters most on older cars and around the sills and arches.
Brakes, battery and fluids
Winter works the brakes and battery hard, and salt can accelerate brake corrosion. Spring is a good moment to check them over.
- Listen for any brake noise or feel any change in the pedal.
- Have the battery tested if it struggled over winter.
- Check oil, coolant and screenwash levels.
Check the air conditioning before summer
Spring is the smart time to check your air conditioning, before the first hot spell when everyone suddenly wants it working. If the air is not as cold as it used to be, the system has likely lost refrigerant and needs a re-gas.
Running the air con occasionally through winter helps keep it healthy, but a spring check and re-gas if needed means you are not left sweltering on the first warm day, or struggling to demist on a damp spring morning.
Swapping winter tyres back
If you fitted dedicated winter tyres, spring is when you swap back to summer or all-season tyres, as winter rubber wears faster and feels less precise in the warmer months. It is also a good moment to inspect the winter set before storing it.
If you run all-season tyres, there is nothing to swap, which is part of their appeal. Either way, spring is a natural point to check tread and condition and plan any replacements before the summer holiday driving season arrives.
Visibility and a fresh start
Winter grime, salt spray and frequent wiper use leave blades worn and screens smeared. Fit fresh wipers and clean the glass inside and out for the brighter, low-sun spring mornings.
If your car is due a service, spring is an ideal time for a thorough check after the hard winter months. We can carry out a service and put right anything winter has caused, so you head into summer with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a spring car check important?
Winter is hard on cars: potholes damage tyres and alignment, road salt corrodes bodywork and brakes, and cold weather strains the battery. A spring check puts this right, catching damage before it worsens and getting the car ready for the warmer, brighter months ahead.
Does road salt damage my car?
Yes. Road salt is corrosive and attacks bodywork, brake components and the underside of the car, especially where it builds up in wheel arches. Washing it off thoroughly as winter ends helps protect against rust and keeps the car in better condition for longer.
Should I check my alignment in spring?
It is a good idea, especially after a winter of potholes, which are a common cause of misalignment. If the car pulls to one side or you notice uneven tyre wear, have the alignment checked. Correcting it in spring prevents uneven wear shortening your tyres over summer.
When should I check my air conditioning?
Spring is ideal, before the first hot spell when everyone needs it. If the air is no longer cold, the system has likely lost refrigerant and needs a re-gas. Sorting it in spring also means quicker demisting on damp mornings, so the air con earns its keep year-round.
When do I swap winter tyres back?
Swap dedicated winter tyres back to summer or all-season tyres in spring, once temperatures are consistently above about 7C, as winter rubber wears faster and feels less precise in the warmth. Inspect the winter set before storing it. All-season tyres need no swapping.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “Hace frio Project 365 Day 341” by Keith Williamson (source), licensed under CC BY.