Spring Maintenance (March-May)

Winter is harsh on cars. Spring is the time to inspect damage and refresh consumables for summer driving.

Consumables & Fluids

• Replace wiper blades if showing signs of wear (streaking or noise)
• Check engine oil level and top up if needed
• Replace cabin air filter if dirty from winter pollen
• Check windscreen washer fluid levels; switch to summer formula (lower freezing point unnecessary)

Inspection Checklist

• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion; clean if needed
• Check all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
• Inspect tyres for winter damage, cracks, or embedded debris
• Check brakes for wear

Summer Maintenance (June-August)

High temperatures put stress on cooling systems and electrical components. Use this period for routine upkeep.

Consumables & Fluids

• Test all exterior lights before long journeys
• Check oil level — it may drop slightly as engines warm up in summer heat
• Check coolant level (when engine is cold)
• Refill windscreen washer fluid before holiday drives

Inspection Checklist

• Check tyre pressure (increases in summer heat)
• Inspect air conditioning function; service if not cooling properly
• Check for any fluid leaks under the car
• Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or wear

Autumn Maintenance (September-November)

Autumn is critical — prepare your car for winter before temperatures drop and weather worsens.

Consumables & Fluids

• Switch to winter wiper blades before November (if you live north of Birmingham or Scotland)
• Test battery health — replacement now prevents winter failures
• Switch to winter-grade windscreen washer fluid (-20°C rated)
• Consider oil change before winter if you’re due

Inspection Checklist

• Check tyre tread depth; consider winter tyres if in a cold region
• Inspect braking system for autumn driving (wet leaves reduce grip)
• Test all lights — darker mornings/evenings mean more night driving
• Check wipers and washer system before wet weather begins

Winter Maintenance (December-February)

Winter is harsh. Preventive care now avoids being stranded with a breakdown in freezing weather.

Consumables & Fluids

• Ensure spark plugs are healthy — cold weather puts extra load on ignition systems
• Check battery voltage and terminals monthly; use a trickle charger if the car sits idle
• Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up (it drains fast in winter)
• Monitor engine oil — cold temperatures increase viscosity; use correct winter grade

Inspection Checklist

• Test antifreeze concentration (should protect to -20°C minimum)
• Check heating system — especially important before long journeys
• Verify all lights work (frost can damage weak bulbs)
• Keep an emergency kit in the car: jump leads, torch, first aid, blanket, spare bulbs

Quick Shopping Links — Find What You Need

Based on the checklist above, here are direct links to each consumable type:

Printable Seasonal Checklist

Spring (March): Wipers, cabin filter, inspect lights and battery

Summer (June): Oil level, coolant, brake inspection, AC check

Autumn (September): Winter wipers, battery test, winter washer fluid, tyre inspection

Winter (December): Battery monitoring, spark plugs, emergency kit, antifreeze check