Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: 10 Essential Checks After Winter

British winters are harsh on cars. The combination of road salt, freezing temperatures, potholes, and heavy rain can leave your vehicle in need of some attention as spring arrives. Here are 10 essential checks to get your car back into top shape.

1. Wash Off the Salt

Road salt is corrosive and accelerates rust, particularly on the underside of your car, wheel arches, and brake components. Give your car a thorough wash — ideally including an underbody wash at a hand car wash or jet wash. Pay special attention to wheel arches and the lower door edges.

2. Check Your Tyres

Winter potholes and cold temperatures can cause damage you might not notice immediately. Check for:

• Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm, ideally 3mm+)
• Bulges or cuts on sidewalls (caused by pothole impacts)
• Correct pressure (check the door frame sticker or owner's manual)
• Uneven wear (could indicate alignment issues)

If you fitted winter tyres, now's the time to switch back to summer or all-season tyres.

3. Test Your Battery

Car batteries work hardest in winter, and cold starts combined with short journeys can leave them weakened. If your engine cranks slowly when starting, or your headlights seem dim, have the battery tested. Most auto centres offer free battery checks. A new battery costs £80-£150.

4. Top Up All Fluids

Check and top up:

• Engine oil — check level and condition (should be amber/brown, not black and gritty)
• Coolant/antifreeze — should be at the correct level between min and max marks
• Brake fluid — should be clear/amber, not dark brown
• Screenwash — refill with a proper screenwash solution, not just water
• Power steering fluid (if applicable)

5. Inspect Wiper Blades

After months of heavy use clearing rain, ice, and salt spray, wiper blades are often worn, split, or streaking by spring. Replacement blades cost £10-£25 per pair and make a noticeable difference to visibility.

6. Check All Lights

Walk around your car and verify every light works — headlights (dipped and main beam), brake lights, indicators, fog lights, reverse lights, and number plate light. This is especially important if your MOT is due in spring.

7. Inspect Brakes

Listen for any squealing, grinding, or unusual noises when braking. If the car pulls to one side, or the brake pedal feels spongy, book a brake inspection. Winter driving with salt and moisture can accelerate brake disc corrosion.

8. Clean and Treat the Interior

Winter brings mud, salt, and moisture into your car. Vacuum the carpets and mats, clean the dashboard and surfaces, and check for any damp patches that could lead to mould. If your car smells musty, check the pollen filter — a replacement costs £15-£30.

9. Check Your Air Conditioning

Most people don't use air con in winter, but leaving it dormant for months can allow seals to dry out and refrigerant to leak. Run the AC for 10 minutes every few weeks, and have it re-gassed if it's not blowing cold. A typical AC recharge costs £50-£80.

10. Book a Service if Due

If your service is due in spring, don't delay. A full service typically costs £150-£350 depending on the car and includes oil and filter change, fluid top-ups, brake inspection, and a multi-point check that covers many of the items above.

For more seasonal maintenance advice, visit our Car Tips & Guides hub — we've got checklists for every season, warning light guides, and a comprehensive troubleshooting tool.