The temperature is rising, the nights are getting shorter, and the time for longer trips has arrived. We’re all excited about the arrival of spring, but in order to safely embark on new adventures, there are a few common issues we must check on our car before hitting the road. Below, we've gathered the five most common problems to watch out for.

The General Condition of the Car

During the winter, we tend to view the car as a sort of refuge that protects us from the cold. This is true in many ways, but it also means that these months leave their mark on the vehicle. Before spring arrives, a thorough cleaning both inside and out is essential. Let’s check under the seats, beneath the mats, and in between the spaces, as this is where the marks of winter are most likely to show. Mud, salt, and snow residue can cause unpleasant odors and, over time, lead to damage to the car.

Let’s not forget about the car’s body, as its condition is important not only from an aesthetic perspective. On a clean vehicle, any potential damages are much more visible, which could later cause more serious problems.

Speaking of the vehicle's exterior, we must also consider the undercarriage, which has certainly been affected by winter road conditions. During the coldest months, rust may have started to develop, and the salt, snow, and mud on the road could have had a negative impact on the undercarriage.

This doesn’t directly relate to the topic, but experts also point out that it’s a good idea to check whether our technical inspection is up to date at the beginning of spring, to avoid any unpleasant surprises during an official inspection.

Wipers and Windshield Fluid

The winter months can take a toll on several car parts, one of which is the wiper blades, as the rubber can easily dry out and crack. However, in spring, the weather becomes unpredictable, with heavy storms and bugs also posing problems, so we need to keep an eye on the condition of the wipers. The same applies to the windshield washer fluid. Sometimes we might forget to top it up, so it’s important to monitor the fluid level. Additionally, just like with tires, we should make sure to choose the right fluid for the season: the summer version performs much better in high temperatures, while the winter version, due to its antifreeze properties, can leave streaks. Within the summer fluids, it’s also a good idea to choose one that effectively combats the previously mentioned bugs.

Air Conditioning System and Filters

We use the air conditioning less frequently in winter, mostly just to defrost the windshield, but as the weather warms up, its use becomes more necessary. If we neglect to clean the air conditioning system, it can not only affect its performance in the long run but also pose health risks. We can clean the system ourselves, as there are excellent air conditioning cleaning sprays available, but of course, it’s also possible to have the cleaning done at a service center. Cleaning the system alone is not enough; we must also pay attention to the condition of the filters. The importance of filters cannot be emphasized enough. Dust and other contaminants that accumulate over the months can cause blockages or even more lasting damage. A damaged filter makes it easier for pollen and pollutants to circulate inside the car.

Fluids

For a car to function properly, it's essential to pay attention to replenishing the correct amount and quality of fluids. Before longer trips, but also generally, don’t forget about brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and the season-appropriate windshield washer fluid.

Tires

And of course, from a safety and accident prevention perspective, perhaps the most important thing is to never forget to change the tires. There is a significant difference between the construction and chemical composition of winter and summer tires. In warm weather, winter tires have a much longer stopping distance, so we can put ourselves in serious danger if we don’t change them in time.

After a certain period and mileage, even those using all-season tires need to replace them: experts recommend considering swapping the tires after around 10,000 kilometers, although some suggest doing this at the start of every spring and winter. In addition to seasonal tires, we must also pay attention to their condition. Don't put worn-out sets on the vehicle. Tires older than six years cannot be used, nor can those with a minimum tread depth of less than 1.6 mm (this is the legal limit in both Germany and Austria). Experts also recommend changing tires when their tread depth reaches 3-4 mm.