Spring clean your car with regular servicing
Motorists planning a spring service for their car following the recent cold snap can visit an XPart AutoService centre for a free vehicle health check to make sure their car is in good working order after the winter.
As the country emerges from the recent bouts of harsh weather to enjoy the spring sunshine, motorists are advised to make sure their car is in good working order before setting off on long journeys. Car engines tend to suffer over the winter due to the extreme cold as they strain to reach optimum operating temperature. Additionally, grit on the roads can damage tyres and bodywork, and fluids levels can run low if not properly topped up during the winter months. With modern cars engineered to rely increasingly on Electronic Control Units (ECUs), many faults are now impossible to repair without the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment, making regular servicing ever more important to efficient running.
“We recommend that motorists visit their local garage for a vehicle health check or a service as we head into spring, particularly as many prepare to take to the roads for weekend trips,” comments Barry Smith, UK Sales Manager, XPart. “Keeping a car regularly serviced not only keeps the car running more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reducing emissions, but also saves the owner money in the long term by avoiding expensive repair costs. A well maintained car will also hold its value for longer.”
After a period of winter driving, motorists should inspect their cars to ensure that they fulfil a few fundamental criteria for safe and efficient running. Lights should be checked to see if they are all working properly and any deficient bulbs replaced. Motorists are advised to check the condition of their tyres to make sure there are no cuts or bulges, and that their tyres are inflated to the level recommended by the manufacturer. Windscreen washer, oil and coolant levels should be checked and topped up to the recommend levels, and motorists should also consider checking power steering, clutch and brake fluid levels. Worn windscreen wiper blades should be replaced and washer jets adjusted if necessary to make sure the water is sprayed over the windscreen and not in an arc over the car.
“It is important to remember that although the winter weather is behind us, we still experience a good deal of rainfall in spring, so motorists should continue to make sure that their car is safe for travel on wet roads,” explains Smith. “We would also advise them to check their car’s bodywork for any corrosion caused by the wet weather and contact their local garage with any concerns.”
For advice on car maintenance checks or a free vehicle health check, visit your nearest XPart AutoService centre. The XPart AutoService centre network provides affordable specialist servicing for MG Rover and New MINI, as well as servicing for all makes of car. The network spans the whole of the UK, and you can locate your nearest AutoService centre by checking the dealer locator on xpart.com.
