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Replace Your Cabin Filter Before Pollen Season
Spring is the single most important time to replace your cabin filter. A fresh activated carbon filter can dramatically reduce hay fever symptoms while driving. After a winter of condensation and moisture, your old filter is likely harbouring bacteria too.
- When: Replace in March before pollen counts rise
- Cost: £8–15 for most cars
- Time: 10–20 minutes — usually behind the glovebox
- Upgrade: Choose an activated carbon filter for better pollen protection
Replace Winter-Worn Wiper Blades
After months of frost, ice, and salt spray, your wiper blades are likely worn. Spring rain and bright sunshine make streaky wipers more noticeable — and more dangerous.
- Signs: Streaking, smearing, juddering, or missing patches
- Cost: £15–25 for a front pair
- Tip: Replace the rear wiper too — it’s often forgotten
Complete Spring Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Cost (DIY) | Priority | Finder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace cabin filter | £8–15 | High | Find filter |
| Replace wiper blades | £15–25 | High | Find wipers |
| Check all exterior bulbs | £3–25 | Medium | Find bulbs |
| Top up screenwash | £3–5 | Medium | — |
| Check tyre pressures | Free | Medium | — |
| Check oil level | Free | Low | Find oil |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I do spring car maintenance?
Aim for late February or early March in the UK. This prepares your car for pollen season and longer days before the spring MOT rush.
What’s the most important spring car maintenance?
Replacing the cabin filter is the top priority for spring. A fresh filter significantly reduces pollen, dust, and allergens entering the cabin during hay fever season.
How much does spring maintenance cost?
A basic spring refresh — cabin filter plus wiper blades — costs around £25-40 doing it yourself. Add an oil change and you’re looking at £55-80 total.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →