Spring inspection of the car - what to do yourself, what to do mechanics

Washing and caring for the body, interior vacuum cleaner, replacement of wipers or oil. These are just a few of the winter checks that every car must pass. It is also worth adding control of the electrical system, brakes, wheel alignment and suspension.

April is probably the best time for spring inspection and cleaning in the car. Especially since the holidays will soon be followed by long weekends, and for many of us, this means longer journeys. We advise what to check in the car yourself, and what is better to go to the garage.

WHAT CAN A DRIVER DO?

Body and chassis washing

True, every year less and less salt gets on our roads, but there is still so much of it that it can harm the car body. Therefore, it must be removed along with the sand. Although most cars are already galvanized on both sides, a small scratch or dent is enough for the car body to begin to corrode.

This is why it is most important to thoroughly clean painted surfaces and chassis in the spring. Most importantly, we can do it ourselves. Enough flowing, preferably warm or hot water, additionally with the possibility of using it under pressure. Then the so-called we can get to every nook and cranny with a sprinkler and get rid of the rest of the salt, dirt and sand. The so-called contactless car wash. There you can easily wash the body, with troubles, but also the chassis.

Many cars have an anti-corrosion coating. If we notice their loss during washing, it is necessary to replenish them. Both varnish and coating.  

better not to wash the engine 

 However, care must be taken when washing engines. In older models, we can wash them with warm water, adding, for example, Ludwik. But in newer ones it is better to avoid this. Electronic circuits can be damaged and are expensive to replace.

However, it does not hurt to rinse the entire engine compartment with a sponge or rag. It is worth paying great attention to removing any plaque and contaminants in the electrical system and the ignition system. Clamps and plugs are important here. Rinse them with denatured alcohol, and then cover with special preparations, for example, WD 40.

Moisture removal

Most of the moisture accumulated in the winter in the car mats. Therefore, as soon as it warms up, it must be taken out, washed or washed and dried. This is all the more important because when it becomes warm inside, everything literally begins to rot. This means not only an unpleasant smell, but also faster evaporation of windows.  

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Vacuum the interior

After removing and drying the floor mats, the interior must be vacuumed. The best way to do this is to use large vacuum cleaners at gas stations. Household vacuum cleaners are too weak. We vacuum not only the interior of the cabin, but also the trunk. By the way, we want to remind you that every extra kilogram that we carry in the trunk means increased fuel consumption.

Necessary lubrication of doors and locks

After winter, doors often creak and locks are difficult to open. Therefore, it is worth lubricating them, for example, with WD 40 or technical petroleum jelly. We have to do this if we used the defroster in the winter.

Checking and replacing wipers

In winter, wipers struggle with low temperatures, snow and sometimes ice. Therefore, they deteriorate faster. It is worth paying attention to whether they leave stains on the glass. If yes, then they need to be replaced. The replacement itself does not take more than a few minutes and can be done during refueling.

WHICH IS BETTER TO GO TO THE WORKSHOP?

The battery needs to be regenerated

In winter, the battery hit hard. You must take it out, clean it thoroughly, especially the clamps, and recharge before putting it back in the car. Best of all, they will do it in the workshop. There, specialists should check the muffler, headlights, handbrake cable (probably it is extended) and every cable in the engine compartment.

Oil change

The engine oil level should be checked regularly, but it is best to change it in the spring. How often the oil should be changed can be found in the vehicle owner's manual. However, we will not make a big mistake when we change the oil in gasoline cars every 15 thousand. km, and diesel engines - every 10 thousand km.

The replacement itself costs PLN 15-20, the filter PLN 30-40, oil about PLN 100. There are mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils on the market. The last two are much more expensive than mineral ones. However, it is worth paying more if our car has a low mileage, is a higher class car or the oil is recommended by the manufacturer. Owners of the oldest, teenage cars should choose mineral oil.

Wheel geometry and suspension

Driving safety is paramount. Therefore, in the spring it is necessary to check the alignment and suspension. Maciej Wawrzyniak from the KIM service, Volkswagen dealer in Swiebodzin, explains what is included in the control of the suspension and wheel geometry: the condition of the shock absorbers and shock absorber bumpers. In the case of a steering system, the following are controlled: steering rods, tie rod ends and tie rod wave boots.

Expenses? – Depending on the year of issue, this amounts to 40-60 zł, says Maciej Wawrzyniak.

The serviceman also adds that after checking the suspension and steering, it is worth checking the geometry of the wheels so that the tires do not wear out excessively. This event costs from 100 to 200 PLN. That's not all. It's also worth checking the air conditioner. This is another expense of 200 or even 300 PLN. But only then will we be sure that the car will not let us down in hot weather.

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