Spring Clean Your Car

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is sharing advice with drivers to ensure their cars are well-prepared for the spring. Here are seven important tips from the IAM’s chief examiner, Peter Rodger, to see you through the season.

1. Now is a good time to give your car a complete spring clean inside and out. Give the outside of your car specific attention as patches of grime and dirt collected over the winter can cause corrosion. Wash your car thoroughly and take it to a car wash that specialises in under-side cleaning.
2. Check your car lights and windscreen wiper blades are working properly and make sure the tyres are not damaged or worn – if any of these need replacing do it before you start your journey. Keeping a spare pack of car bulbs in your boot is also a good idea.
3. Top up your brake fluid as you may have used more of it during the winter months. The same applies to your washer screen fluid and coolant levels. If you’re unsure about topping these up consult your handbook or take it to a mechanic.
4. If you’re allergic to pollen, the onset of hay fever can affect your driving during the spring. Use a pollen filter or switch the air-conditioning on to help purify the air.
5. Tree sap can be hard to remove once it hardens so don’t forget to give your car a regular wash-over using some hot water and a clean sponge – this should help the sap to dissolve.
6. If you find the sap has hardened and difficult to remove use a colour restorer and an electric polisher. Use specialist cleaning pads to buff the car paint into the metal, but don’t ever use household cleaning pads as these will ruin the car’s paintwork.
7. Always keep a pair of sunglasses with you; these will come in handy when dealing with glare from early morning and evening low sun.

Peter said: “Many annoying problems can be prevented by simple checks and regular maintenance. Keeping your windows and mirrors clear of dirt and blemishes can prevent accidents and save lives.”

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM for this week's helpful blog and advises motorists to visit their local member garage for a Spring Check.

Mind the Dazzle

Autumn is here, and it’s time to prepare the car for the season ahead.

Shorter days bring low sun earlier in the day. According to the Department for Transport figures, dazzling sun was responsible for twenty-three crash fatalities in 2010. Before starting an afternoon journey, try to ensure you have a good pair of sunglasses with you.

If the sun makes it difficult to see, slow down. If the sun is behind you, then it’s in the eyes of oncoming drivers who may not be able to see you. Low sun can dazzle you through your mirrors so check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.

Make it easier for other drivers to see you by turning on your headlights before sunset and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise.

Leaves falling from trees can cause more hazardous driving conditions both on the road and to your vehicle.

Hard acceleration or braking can cause skidding while dips and potholes hiding under the leaves covering the road can cause other problems.

Always make sure your windscreen is cleaned inside and out as low sun will highlight grime and scratches and ensure your wiper blades are in good condition.

Also, clear out the tray-like area under the bonnet, below the windscreen. They can fill up with water when it gets blocked with leaves. The water then seeps into the car’s electrics, causing expensive and potentially dangerous damage.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM (Institute for Advanced Motoring) for their advice on driving in autumn.