Tips for Driving Safely This Spring

Five essential spring car maintenance checks

After months of winter driving, your car will need extra attention to stay safe through spring’s changing conditions. Here's a checklist of five key checks you should be doing, and the risks if you don’t:

1. Check your tyres

You should start by checking your tyres, and knowing how to check tyre tread is crucial. Insert a 20p coin into the main grooves; if you can see the outer band, your tyre tread depth is likely too low. For a full step-by-step guide, read our advice on how to check if your tyres are legal.

While the legal tread depth is 1.6mm, experts recommend replacing tyres once tread drops below 3mm. Tests show stopping distances in wet weather can increase by up to 44% between 3mm and 1.6mm, as less tread means less water can be dispersed, raising the risk of aquaplaning.

Driving with tyres below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm can result in a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and 3 penalty points, under Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The Highway Code Rule 97 also states your vehicle must be roadworthy before setting off, including legal tread. 

It’s equally important to check tyre pressure regularly, as cold winter air often causes pressure to drop. Under-inflated tyres can reduce grip, increase stopping distances, and wear out faster. 

How to check tyre pressure is simple: refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct PSI and use a reliable pressure gauge. Always check when tyres are cold for the most accurate reading, and adjust them before long spring journeys.

If your tyres are found to be unsafe or contribute to an accident, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points under Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986—the same law that covers illegal tyre tread.

Having four illegal tyres could cost you £10,000 in fines and lead to you losing your licence, and if deemed a contributing factor in an accident, you could face prosecution for careless driving.

2. Check your battery health

As spring brings longer journeys and day trips, learning how to check car battery health can help you avoid getting stranded. Look out for signs like dim headlights or warning lights on the dashboard, both of which could indicate battery issues.

If your battery is flat but still healthy, a car battery charger can usually bring it back to life, making it a good addition to your emergency kit. To use one, connect the charger clips to the correct battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative), plug the charger in, and allow it to charge fully.

Knowing how to charge a car battery and how long to charge a car battery is especially useful if you’re planning longer journeys. Most standard chargers take between 6 and 12 hours to fully recharge a flat battery, while fast chargers may take 1 to 2 hours, depending on your battery’s size and condition.

However, even well-maintained batteries have a limited lifespan. Most car batteries last between three and five years, so if your battery fails to hold charge even after recharging, it may be time for a replacement.

A flat battery isn’t a legal offence on its own, but knowingly driving with a faulty battery that leads to a breakdown or obstruction could result in a fine of up to £1,000 under Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for causing unnecessary obstruction.

Roadside battery replacements often cost £100 or more, so regular checks can save you money and keep your journey on track.

3. Check your engine oil and coolant

Cold weather may have increased oil consumption or reduced coolant effectiveness, so it’s important to check both before heading out on longer drives.

Knowing when to check the engine oil level and maintaining the correct car coolant fluid level helps keep your engine healthy and reduces the risk of overheating. Most coolant needs replacing every two to five years, but always check your vehicle’s manual for the exact schedule to keep your engine protected through the warmer months, and make sure you fill it up to the correct coolant level.

Neglecting oil or coolant maintenance can cause overheating, breakdowns, or even engine failure. If this contributes to a collision, it may be considered careless or dangerous driving under the Road Traffic Act 1988, carrying up to £5,000 in fines, 3–11 penalty points, or a driving ban.

Highway Code Rule 97 also reminds drivers to check all essential fluids before setting off, including coolant and oil. Taking a few minutes now could save you thousands in repair costs, or worse, legal trouble later on.

4. Check for underbody corrosion

Grit and salt used during winter can corrode vital parts of your vehicle, including the underbody, brake lines, suspension, and exhaust. Left untreated, this can compromise your car’s safety and lead to expensive repairs.

Give your vehicle a thorough rinse underneath to remove any remaining salt, focusing on wheel arches, the chassis, and areas around the exhaust. If you’re unsure what to look for, booking in for a service can help catch early signs of damage before they become serious.

If corrosion affects your brakes, steering, or suspension, your vehicle may be classed as unroadworthy. Driving a car in a dangerous condition is an offence under Section 40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and can result in an unlimited fine, 3 penalty points, or disqualification.

5. Check your wiper blades

Winter grit, frost, and salt can cause tiny cracks in your wiper blades, reducing their ability to clear the windscreen. If you’ve noticed that they leave streaks, squeak, or miss patches, it’s time to replace them. You typically need to replace wiper blades once or twice a year, so checking them at the start of spring is a good habit to maintain clear visibility during things like sudden showers.

Don’t forget to check your washer fluid too. In spring, pollen, dust, and insects can quickly build up, and if you run out of washer fluid or have a faulty washer system, you risk driving with dangerously reduced visibilty. 

That’s why both are considered essential safely features under UK law. Regulation 34 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 states that driving with ineffective wipers and an empty washer system could lead to a £100 fine or 3 penalty points. If poor visibility contributes to a crash, courts may issue harsher penalties. The Highway Code Rule 229 also states that your windscreen must be clear and your wipers fully functional before setting off.

Learning how to remove wiper blades, fit new ones, and top up your washer fluid is usually simple and tool-free, but you can ask for them to be fitted or refilled during a service if you’re unsure.

Springtime road hazards to watch out for

Spring might feel like a welcome change, but warmer temperatures can cause more potholes to appear, sudden rainfall can hide them from view, and more cyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife are on the roads. From tyre damage to dangerous near-misses, spotting and responding to these seasonal hazards early is key to avoiding costly damage, danger, or legal issues.

How to spot and handle potholes this spring

With millions of potholes in the UK, it’s no surprise the RAC found that pothole claims more than doubled between 2022 and 2023. To put the scale into perspective, the AA attended 643,318 pothole-related callouts in 2024—more than the 591,072 babies born in the UK the year before.

Many potholes are caused by water seeping into small cracks during winter, freezing, and expanding, and weakening the road surface. As temperatures rise in spring, these cracks develop into deeper potholes, while showers make them harder to spot.

Hitting a pothole can cause serious damage to your vehicle, including:

• Tyre punctures, sidewall bulges, or even blowouts
• Bent or cracked wheels
• Steering misalignment or vibration
• Damage to suspension components like shocks and struts
• Damage to the undercarriage, including the exhaust system

If you spot a pothole while driving, slow down if it’s safe to do so, but avoid swerving dangerously. Hitting a pothole at speed can increase the risk of tyre, wheel, and suspension damage, or even cause a breakdown.

If you do hit one, check for visible damage as soon as it’s safe to stop.

Dashboard warning lights, unusual vibrations, or the car pulling to one side are all signs it needs professional attention.

Continuing to drive with pothole damage could make your car legally unroadworthy, breaching Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. This could lead to a £2,500 fine, 3 penalty points, or a court summons if the damage causes an accident.

You can report potholes online by submitting the location and description. Reporting helps protect other drivers, and may also support a claim if your vehicle is damaged.

How to drive safely around wildlife, cyclists, and pedestrians

Spring tends to see more people head outdoors, meaning you’re more likely to encounter cyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife on the roads. As such, you must stay alert and adjust your driving habits to keep everyone safe.

Be extra cautious near schools, parks, and junctions where pedestrians have the right of way, particularly when turning. Pedestrians' right of way at junctions is clearly outlined in Highway Code Rule 170, and failing to stop could lead to a careless or dangerous driving charge under the Road Traffic Act 1988, with fines, penalty points, or even imprisonment if someone is injured.

Cyclists are also more common in spring. Always check for blind spots in cars, especially when overtaking, and know when to check blind spots to avoid missing a rider beside or behind you. You must also leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, as stated in the Highway Code, and more when overtaking at higher speeds. If a cyclist is hit due to poor mirror use or visibility, this may also be classed as driving without due care, and courts may impose harsher penalties if a vulnerable road user is harmed.

Spring wildlife is another hidden hazard. Animals like deer, foxes, and rabbits are more active at dawn and dusk, and may dart out suddenly, especially near wooded areas or fields. Dense spring growth, like tall grass or hedgerows, can make spotting hazards even harder.

If you collide with wildlife and cause an obstruction or crash, you may still be at fault, particularly if you didn’t slow down around blind bends or failed to drive with due care. Slowing down, staying left on bends, and remaining alert in rural areas is key to avoiding these unpredictable risks. You can read more about how to safely react to animals on the road, including when swerving could cause more danger.

How to handle spring weather on the roads

Spring weather is anything but predictable. From dazzling sunlight and heavy downpours to pollen spikes and leftover morning frost, these changing conditions can all impact your safety behind the wheel. Being prepared and knowing how to adjust your driving can help you handle whatever the season throws your way.

How to drive safely during spring showers

Spring showers can arrive without warning, quickly making road surfaces slippery and reducing visibility. If you find yourself driving in rain, you should always be extra cautious.

Always use your dipped headlights to improve your own visibility and make your vehicle easier for other road users to see. Slowing down, steering smoothly, and avoiding harsh braking are key for handling wet conditions safely.

The stopping distance in rain can be double that of dry conditions, and the stopping distance in heavy rain can be even greater, so leaving at least a four-second time gap on wet roads and adjusting your speed are crucial for staying safe during sudden spring downpours.

Standing water can build up quickly after heavy rain. So if you find yourself driving through water, slow right down, stay in a low gear, and test your brakes gently afterwards. Doing this helps prevent brake failure and keeps you in control during spring showers.

Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, happens when your tyres lose grip on the road due to surface water, usually during heavy rain. Knowing how to avoid hydroplaning and what to do if your car does hydroplane is something every driver needs to know.

To prevent hydroplaning, slow down, avoid sharp steering movements, and make sure your tyres are properly inflated. If your steering suddenly feels unusually light or your engine revs rise without a matching increase in speed, you may already be hydroplaning. Ease off the accelerator gently, keep the wheel steady, and avoid sudden movements until your tyres regain full contact with the road.

How to deal with poor visibility when driving in spring

From bright sun to heavy rain, spring can affect how clearly you see the road ahead. The glare from the sun can be particularly dangerous during early mornings and late afternoons, when the low sun makes it harder to spot hazards in time.

To reduce glare, keep your windscreen clean inside and out, as dirt and smears can intensify the effect. Sunglasses, a properly positioned sun visor, or anti-glare glasses can all help reduce eye strain and improve visibility, too.

When visibility drops due to rain, spray, or low light, knowing which lights you should switch on when daytime visibility is poor really matters. Switch on your dipped headlights to stay visible to other drivers. These lights are angled downwards to illuminate the road without dazzling others, and should be used when visibility falls below 100 metres, as advised by Highway Code Rule 226. They’re also recommended in dull daylight or poor weather, according to Rule 115.

Changing wiper blades can make a big difference if caught in sudden showers, especially if you’ve been noticing streaks, squeaks, or missing patches. 

Pollen and tree sap on car windshields can also cause problems in spring. If you encounter this, you should try to remove it with soapy water before it hardens, otherwise it could cause more problems for your wiper blades and worsen the glare from the sun.  

Failing to take reasonable steps to reduce sun glare while driving, like using visors or cleaning your windscreen, may be considered careless driving. If it contributes to a collision, you could face penalties under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, including a fine of up to £5,000, points on your licence, or a driving ban. Highway Code Rule 237 also advises slowing down or stopping if dazzled by sunlight and unable to see clearly, and ignoring this may be used as evidence of fault in an accident.

How to manage hay fever and stay alert while driving

Driving with hay fever can be challenging. Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion can reduce focus and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

To manage allergies safely behind the wheel, keep windows closed and use your air conditioning’s recirculate setting to minimise pollen intake. Clean pollen filters regularly and consider taking non-drowsy antihistamines, but always check that they are safe for driving first.

The start of British Summer Time can also affect concentration, with disrupted sleep leading to fatigue. That’s why knowing how to stay alert while driving—by staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and pulling over when tired—is so important when it comes to keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

How to be prepared for unexpected problems on the road

Spring can be one of the most unpredictable times of year for drivers. That’s why being prepared for the unexpected can be just as important as routine car checks. To help, the team at Dick Lovett have shared what to pack, what to watch out for, and what to do if you break down.

What to pack in your spring car emergency kit

Packing a complete emergency kit can make all the difference if your journey doesn’t go to plan. From weather-related issues to unexpected breakdowns, having the right items in your car can make a big difference in an emergency.

A well-stocked kit should include:

• A triangle warning sign
• Reflective jackets for all passengers
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• A flashlight for low-light conditions
• Spare wiper blades for sudden visibility issues
• A basic tyre repair kit for minor punctures
• A thermal blanket to stay warm during chilly evenings
• A fully charged mobile phone or spare battery pack
• A first-aid kit

Keeping your emergency kit in a waterproof bag will help protect it from heavy rain and make it easy to grab quickly if you break down.

Failing to carry visibility tools like a torch or reflective jacket isn’t illegal by itself, but if your vehicle becomes a hazard—especially on unlit or rural roads—you could be charged with unnecessary obstruction under Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, with penalties of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points.

If the police deem your stopped vehicle to be dangerous or obstructive without reason, you may also face a £100 on-the-spot fine.

How to spot dashboard warning signs early

Understanding your dashboard warning lights can help you spot small issues before they turn into bigger problems. Warning lights for your battery, coolant, or tyre pressure are especially worth watching in spring, when rising temperatures can cause issues.

Before setting off on longer drives, familiarise yourself with your car’s dashboard warning light symbols. These may include warnings for overheating, low battery, or low tyre pressure—all of which can lead to breakdowns if ignored.

If you drive a hybrid or an EV, electric car dashboard symbols may differ from those in petrol or diesel cars, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with them, especially if you’ve just made the switch. They can warn you about battery faults or charging issues that need addressing before they leave you stranded.

What to do if you break down

Knowing what to do if your car breaks down is important for staying safe. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, switch on your hazard lights, and wait well away from traffic while you call for assistance.

It’s also important to know what to do if your car breaks down on motorway routes, as it can be far more dangerous due to the high speeds and limited space. If you can’t reach a service station or exit, steer to the hard shoulder, park as far left as possible, and angle your wheels left. Leave the vehicle via the left-hand door when safe and always stand behind a safety barrier with your passengers.

Highway Code Rule 274 explicitly advises against placing a warning triangle on the motorway. Doing so could endanger other road users and, if it contributes to a collision or near miss, could lead to prosecution.

By preparing ahead of time and knowing how to respond in different situations, you’ll be ready for whatever spring brings.