Spring fit: This is what your vehicle needs after the winter

Road salt and road split in particular have severely clogged the underbody and paintwork. The ÖAMTC experts give tips on which care vehicles now need.

1. car wash: Yes, of course you can do without it, but a car wash in the car wash is definitely recommended at the beginning of the spring season. Particularly important: the underbody and wheel housing wash. The coarse dirt of the winter has accumulated there. If you like, you can also work with the high-pressure cleaner here.
2. re-polishing: The car wash brushes sometimes do not reach some places. Dirt such as stubborn insect residues, the entrances, door cutouts and all other surfaces should be cleaned by hand. Then wipe dry with a cloth to avoid limescale stains.
3. window cleaning: Due to the increased ventilation, dirt is deposited on the windows over the winter season. Window cleaner or window cloths are sufficient to remove them. If you don’t want to be on the annual service: Door hinges can do with lubrication with grease or silicone spray, especially after the winter.
4. paint care: It is mainly due to the split that many stone chips and fine scratches disfigure the paintwork after the winter season. The experts recommend touching it up with a paint stick. A polish will help refresh the shine. Caution: The polish is actually a fine grinding paste with which the top layer of paint is roughened and slightly removed. If you want to polish yourself, you have to make sure you use the right grain size (depending on the condition of the paint). The ÖAMTC advises against using polishing machines. If you are not that experienced, you will quickly polish off too much of the top layer of paint.
5. Rubber and chrome care: Rubber seals suffer particularly badly in the winter season: the sometimes icy temperatures and the heat generated when using the vehicle put a strain on the material. Special pins protect the rubber from becoming brittle and leaking. Chrome strips can be made to shine with chrome pastes. The ÖAMTC advises you to be particularly careful here: It is essential to protect the surrounding paintwork!
6. wiper blades: You worked hard over the winter and suffered accordingly from snow, ice, salt and frost. At the start of spring, the experts recommend checking whether the wipers leave streaks or are torn. If so, they should be replaced.
7. inner space: Although the weather conditions of the past few months have had relatively little effect on it, residues such as grit and salt can also be found in the vehicle interior. Beating and/or rinsing the floor mats once and vacuuming the carpets thoroughly should be sufficient at the beginning of the season. If you like it particularly thorough, you can also clean the upholstery: Apply the cleaner carefully and rub it in thoroughly. Then brush or vacuum. It is better to remain cautious in the dosage in order to avoid too much moisture. Then wipe the entire steering wheel, dashboard and shift lever with a cloth, do not use greasy cleaning agents.
8. Check and correct fluid levels: Engine oil and coolant need to be checked regularly anyway, but a quick check before the new season is a good idea. The ÖAMTC advises caution when topping up: an oil level that is too high is just as damaging to the engine as a level that is too low.
9. Check engine compartment: Hoses, coarse dirt such as leaves or moisture: Checking the fluid levels can also be combined with an all-round view of the entire engine compartment. Defects can be rectified immediately.
10. Tires: On April 14, the legal obligation to use winter tires ends. Vehicle owners who have their tires changed by a professional can assume this anyway, but a check should definitely be made at the beginning of the season: check the tread depth and tire pressure. As a rule of thumb, the ÖAMTC recommends measuring at least once a month, for example when filling up. If the tire pressure is not correct, fuel consumption increases. Much more dangerous, however: the braking distance also increases.