Spring Into Safety with These Essential Car Checks
As winter gives way to spring in South Africa, the days get longer, temperatures start climbing, and the rains return after the dry season, for the majority of the country. The change in season is also a reminder that your car needs a change in care too. Wet roads, sudden thunderstorms, and rising pollen levels can all affect your car’s performance and your safety on the road. A little seasonal preparation can go a long way in keeping your car running smoothly and reliably this spring.
1. Check Your Wipers and Washer Fluid
After months of dry, dusty conditions, your windscreen wipers may have hardened or cracked. With spring showers on the way, good visibility is essential. Replace worn blades and top up your washer fluid so you’re ready for muddy splashes and rainstorms.
2. Inspect Tyres for Grip and Safety
Tyres take a beating during winter, especially if you’ve driven on cold, dry roads. Check the tread depth to make sure it’s above the legal minimum (1.6mm in South Africa, but ideally more for wet-weather driving). Look for uneven wear, sidewall cracks, or bulges. Don’t forget to check your spare wheel and tyre pressure too.
3. Test Your Batteries
Cold mornings can drain car batteries, and by spring, a weak one might be close to giving up. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding charge properly. A failing battery can leave you stranded, especially if heavy rains force you to rely more on lights, wipers, and demisters.
4. Inspecting Your Bulbs and Globes
When spring and the rainy season begin, it is important to inspect your bulbs. Rain, fog, and mist scatter light, making roads harder to see. Dim or burned-out bulbs drastically reduce your ability to see and be seen. Functional, bright headlights are critical to stay visible to other drivers in poor weather. If one bulb is out, replace both – the other is probably close to failing too. Remember that driving with a non-functional headlight is a traffic violation.
5. Look Over Brakes and Suspension
Wet roads can double your stopping distance. If your brakes squeak, grind, shudder, or feel spongy, have them checked immediately. Take time this spring to inspect your suspension and shocks. Signs like uneven tyre wear or a bumpy ride should not be ignored.
6. Service Your Aircon and Cabin Filter
Spring brings pollen, dust, and higher humidity. A clogged cabin air filter can affect airflow and trap unpleasant odours. Replacing it not only keeps the air inside your car cleaner but also helps your aircon system run more efficiently.
7. Clean and Protect the Exterior
Dust, bird droppings, and tree sap can damage your car’s paint. Give your vehicle a good wash and consider waxing it to protect against spring rains. Check rubber seals around windows and doors to prevent leaks during downpours.
8. Stock Up on Essentials
It’s always smart to carry a few extras such as an umbrella, a raincoat, emergency torch, and jumper cables. If you commute through areas prone to flooding, be extra cautious and never drive through water deeper than the bottom of your bumper.
Spring in South Africa is a season of renewal, and that applies to your car too. A simple checklist of wipers, tyres, brakes, and filters can help you avoid breakdowns and drive with confidence when the rain arrives. A little preparation now means safer, smoother journeys in the warmer months ahead.
