AUTONEWS

Spring Car Care: What You Can Do at Home?

Windshield wipers that smear instead of wipe, musty smells in the interior, and layers of mud and salt on the underside of your vehicle – simply changing your tires after the winter season is not enough. While some tasks can be easily done at home, a thorough inspection is best done at an authorized workshop.

For drivers in many European countries, the arrival of spring marks the annual ritual of switching to summer tires. While it is legally acceptable to use winter tires in the summer (be aware of the exceptions – Italy, for example, has special regulations), this compromises handling, increases road noise and increases fuel consumption. The material of winter tires is not suitable for driving in warm weather and, among other things, can significantly increase braking distances.

Many drivers can change their own wheels, but those who do not have two sets of discs and are only changing tires on rims should definitely visit a tire service. In addition, checking the condition of the tires should be standard practice. In most of Europe, the minimum tread depth for summer tires is 1.6 mm. What else should you check or maintain in the spring?

Tasks you can do at home

+ Thoroughly wash your car, including the chassis

+ Clean the interior

+ Check and replace the windshield wipers if necessary

+ Replace winter tires with summer tires and check them

+ Check the fluid level and top up if necessary

When to visit a service center

+ Balance the wheels (at least once every two years)

+ Adjust the wheel alignment

+ Check the battery

+ Inspect the chassis and brake system, replace damaged components

+ Check and clean the air conditioning system

+ Replace the cabin air filter

Detailed cleaning...One of the simplest, but also most important tasks is a thorough car wash. After winter, it is best to visit a car wash that offers a chassis wash program. However, hand washing remains the most effective method. If you use a contactless car wash, pay attention to the wheel arches and brake calipers.

Washing the engine is prohibited outside of specialized facilities equipped to handle contaminated wastewater.

Be especially careful when washing the front grille. A strong, high-pressure water jet can deform the sensitive radiator slots behind the grille if handled incorrectly. When washing painted body surfaces, follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the optimal distance of the pressure washer gun from the car.

Washing or polishing the car in direct sunlight is also not ideal. The combination of sun exposure and cleaning chemicals can cause irreversible damage to the surface. Suitable car care products are available from Škoda Authorized Dealers.

Checking the Fluids and Wipers...Checking and maintaining the operating fluid level is a simple task. The engine oil can be checked using the dipstick, while the coolant level in the reservoir (usually pink) should remain between the minimum and maximum marks when the engine is cold. As temperatures rise, replace your winter windshield washer fluid with a summer blend that is better at removing insects from your windshield.

Also assess the condition of your wipers. If they are cracked, brittle or leaving marks on the glass, they need to be replaced. Always opt for genuine parts designed to suit the car’s aerodynamics, the curvature of the windshield and the pressure distribution. Some cars require that the wipers be set to the “service position” before replacement. To do this, press the wiper lever down for more than one second within 10 seconds of turning off the ignition. This moves the wipers into a position where the wiper blades can be easily lifted and replaced.

Did you know that in a year with an average rainfall, a windshield wiper travels a distance of 1,600 kilometres on the glass surface?

Replacing the cabin filter may seem simple at first glance, but it requires careful handling to prevent dirt from getting into the ventilation system, which could cause damage. “Some Škoda models require a special tool to catch dirt during removal. That’s why we recommend that this job be done by an authorized service,” explains Jan Picha, Škoda Auto’s Service Operations Manager for the Czech market.

Comprehensive service care...There are a number of other tasks that need to be done on the car that owners cannot do at home. These tasks require professional equipment and expertise. That’s why it’s advisable to visit a Škoda service before the season starts. Service centers can perform all of the above tasks and more.

“As part of the Spring Service promotion, selected Škoda service centers are offering a special Spring Service at a reduced price after the winter season. The procedures performed on each vehicle by trained technicians are recommended directly by the manufacturer,” says Jan Picha.

A typical spring service includes a battery stress test. Extreme summer temperatures can be just as harsh on a battery as winter frosts, and an early check can reveal not only the possibility that a battery is nearing the end of its life, but also any impending failures — ensuring that your car doesn’t suddenly refuse to start at the worst possible moment.

Components checked during the spring service

- Battery load test

- Brake system inspection

- Chassis component check, including silent blocks

- Engine oil level check

- Coolant and brake fluid level check

- Diagnostic scan using VAS tool, fault memory list (fault memory report available)

- Windscreen wiper and washer function check

- Headlight adjustment and alignment check

- Air conditioning system leak test

- MOT test expiration notice

Proper maintenance extends the life of the vehicle...In addition, customers can opt for additional services, such as air conditioning cleaning. It is also worth discussing wheel alignment adjustment or chassis component repair, if necessary. Uneven wear on winter tires can, for example, indicate alignment problems.

“Damage or excessive wear to chassis components often leads to a chain reaction. For example, cracked or hardened rubber parts increase the load on related parts, which can lead to unnecessarily expensive repairs if left unattended. Worn shock absorbers not only affect ride comfort, but also reduce handling in critical situations and contribute to uneven tire wear, known as “vacuum,” explains Jan Picha.

If no damage is found to the axle bearings, pins, suspension mounts, ball joints, shock absorbers or springs, alignment can be carried out immediately in the workshop, using a precision laser machine. “For cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, sensor calibration is also necessary in a specialized facility. This ensures that all systems are functioning properly,” adds Picha.

The arrival of spring is the ideal time of year to thoroughly check and clean the vehicle. Addressing any winter wear as soon as possible ensures long-term reliability. A thorough wash removes any remaining winter salt from the roads, a service check confirms the safety and performance of your car, and you can enter the new season with confidence.

Škoda PR