| Looking at the weather it might not quite feel quite like it yet, but with the clocks going forward spring is officially here. And that means new growth, rebirth, and for many, spring cleaning! But while all the focus might be on looking after your home, why not also spend a little showing some love to your car. With a little effort, and just at a small cost, you can easily have your car looking a feeling almost as good as new. So don’t be scared to get under the bonnet. Here are a few simple things to look out for: Oil Make sure it’s topped up to minimise engine water and tear. Oil simply reduces the amount of friction between the functioning parts of your engine. This reduces the chance of things breaking or cracking under the pressure of the engine in full flight. Every manufacturer recommends occasionally making a full change of your oil. This involves draining the existing oil from your car engine (which, if it has been there for a long time, will have lots of impurities and gunk in it) and filling up with new, fresh oil. This can be a little tricky and messy. If in doubt, ask your local mechanic. Screen wash This is really easy to top up and is the best way of maintaining clear visibility in those clear spring mornings. There is usually a top up point easily accessible from where you open the bonnet. You can buy a bottle of ready mixed screen wash from most petrol stations, or the other choice is to buy some concentrate and simply top up with water. Lights Elsewhere, take the time to check your lights and indicators are working properly. The easiest way to check your car lights is to have a friend stand outside the car while you activate each light. Alternatively, many petrol stations will have a reflective wall (often near the air/water outlets) which you can use. Changing a bulb can be fairly straightforward, even if you’re a novice. But if you need a professional to do it, it shouldn’t cost more than around €20 including parts. |