Spring Driving Tips

The Winter looks like it's finally over and spring is here at last. A good time to clean off the winter grime and salt and get ready for sunnier days. Winter weather can be the culprit for a variety of car problems from suspension wear to paint damage. One area in particular that often suffers from damage is anything made of rubber. That's hoses, wiper blades and belts to you and me. There's plenty to check at this time of year and most of the things that need attention can by done at home, so here's a spring checklist.

Wiper Blade Check
Your wipers have worked hard all Winter getting rid of dirt and debris on your windscreen. Replacing them now means that you can drive with confidence during the April showers that we are guaranteed to get. Some symptoms of worn wipers are:

• Streaking. Blurry vision caused by dry or dirty rubber blades
• Chattering. Skipping of the blade caused by the permanent set or curve in the rubber of old blades
• Worn Rubber. Rounding of the wiping edge caused by extended use
• Split Rubber. Cracked and split rubber caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays
• Bent Wiper Frame. Bent or broken wiper blade frames can be caused by vandalism or automatic car washes.

If any of these symptoms are found when you check your blades, then it's time to replace them. As a general rule wiper blades last about 6 months.

Belts and Hoses Check
Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components, especially during the Winter. That's why regular inspections are so important. Here's some areas to check.

Hose connections

• Are they soft? Are the hose clamps secure?
• Check the hose condition for brittleness and bulging
• Check the condition of the hose clips
• If in doubt- replace

Drive belt(s) radiator

• Are they glazed or showing signs of internal rust or corrosion?
• Check the overall condition for cracks, fraying and security of the mountings
• Check the tension in accordance to your handbook

Brake Check
After cold weather driving, a brake check is a smart safety precaution. One of the most obvious warning signs of wear is brake noise, including excessive grinding, squealing, screeching, or chatter. If you have driven frequently through floodwater, an inspection will ensure your brakes are free of corrosion and operating properly. If you need a full Brake safety check, your local Unipart Car Care Centre will always be happy to help.

Battery Check
How long has it been since you checked and cleaned your battery connections? The corrosion that may have accumulated through the Winter, acting as insulation between the battery terminals and their connections, can disable even the best electrical system. Connections should be removed, cleaned and, after reassembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.