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Winter is tough on your car. Cold temperatures, road salt, potholes and heavy rain all take their toll on key components. As the weather begins to improve, February is the ideal time to give your vehicle a post-winter health check and prepare it for spring driving.
At Drift Bridge Group, our service teams across Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Honda and Geely Gatwick help thousands of motorists get their cars back into peak condition after winter. Here’s what you should focus on as winter comes to an end.
1. Check Tyres for Wear, Damage and Pressure
Winter roads are hard on tyres. Potholes, low temperatures and reduced grip can cause:
Cold air causes tyre pressure to drop, so your tyres may now be underinflated.
What to do:
Our technicians at Drift Bridge can inspect and replace tyres for all Audi, VW, Škoda, Honda and Geely models.
2. Inspect Brakes After Winter Driving
Winter moisture and road salt accelerate brake wear and corrosion.
Common post-winter brake issues include:
What to do:
Book a brake inspection if you notice any changes in braking feel or noise. Early intervention can prevent expensive repairs.
3. Test Your Battery Health
Winter is the number one cause of battery failure.
Cold temperatures, short journeys and heavy electrical loads (heaters, lights, demisters) weaken batteries.
Signs your battery may be struggling:
Drift Bridge service centres offer battery testing and replacement for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.
4. Check Fluids and Top Up as Needed
Winter can affect fluid levels and performance.
You should check:
Using manufacturer-approved fluids is essential for Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Honda and Geely vehicles.
5. Inspect Wiper Blades and Windscreen
Wipers work harder in winter due to frost, grit and road salt.
Replace your wipers if you notice:
Also check your windscreen for chips or cracks that may have worsened in cold weather.
6. Wash Off Road Salt and Protect Paintwork
Road salt is highly corrosive and can damage paintwork, wheels and underbody components.
What to do:
Drift Bridge Group offers professional valeting and paint protection services across all dealerships.
7. Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin filter traps dust, pollen and pollutants.
After winter, filters are often clogged with debris, reducing airflow and demisting performance.
Benefits of replacing it:
8. Check Suspension and Alignment
Potholes are common in winter and can knock your alignment out of place.
Signs of suspension or alignment issues:
An alignment check now can prevent premature tyre wear.
9. Test Lights and Safety Systems
Darker winter months mean your lights and sensors have worked harder than usual.
Check:
Any warning lights or malfunctions should be diagnosed promptly.
10. Book a Post-Winter Health Check
The easiest way to cover all these areas is to book a professional spring health check.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your car for spring isn’t just about maintenance; it’s about safety, reliability and protecting long-term value.
By addressing post-winter wear now, you reduce the risk of breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency and ensure your Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Honda or Geely vehicle is ready for the months ahead.
To book a post-winter service or health check, visit your nearest Drift Bridge Group dealership or contact our aftersales team today.
