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Spring is here.

Are you and your car fit for it?

If not, traffic experts have the most important tips:

1. Complete wash protects against long-term car damage

There has not been as much snow in Germany for a long time as there was last winter.

The white splendor has made for slippery roads and slush.

This also left its mark on many cars.

"The road salt has damaged the car considerably, it has to be reduced now," says Sören Heinze from the Auto Club Europa (ACE).

The car course should start with a thorough top and bottom wash.

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Just a quick ride through the wash is not enough.

“Before the car wash, the surface of the car should be cleaned once with a high-pressure cleaner.

This prevents unsightly scratches that could be caused by salt and dirt residues from the brushes, ”says Heinze.

After washing, you can see where the paintwork has been damaged.

“Smaller scratches can be worked on yourself with a primer and a touch-up stick from the car accessories.

A specialist should inspect the underbody the next time he visits the workshop, ”recommends Gerrit Reichel from the ACV Autoclub Verkehr.

2. Clean and clear the car

In winter, a lot of aids quickly accumulate in the car.

From gloves and hand brushes to the windscreen deicer to the frost protection canister.

If it's warmer outside, this is a good opportunity to open all the doors, ventilate the car properly and remove the winter utensils.

Car spring should start with a thorough cleaning

Source: dpa-tmn

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The ADAC also recommends cleaning the glass surfaces thoroughly from the inside so that the winter film of dirt on the windshield is removed and cannot dazzle.

In addition, after vacuuming, it is advisable to replace the rubber floor mats with summer mats.

3. Change tires - but do it right!

The much-cited rule from O to O, i.e. from October to Easter, is still used as a rough guide for changing tires.

Basically, there should be no more frost at night before there are summer tires.

"Before storage, the winter tires should also be thoroughly cleaned and checked for possible damage," recommends Heinze.

In addition, complete bikes should be stacked on top of each other and stored in a cool, dry place.

So the tire stays in shape and doesn't dry out.

4. Blasting germs cabin filter in the car

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Spring is exactly the right time to change the cabin filter.

When the first bee pollen begins to fly, allergy sufferers are particularly dependent on a functioning filter.

"The filter sifts pollen, dust and dirt out of the air and should be changed annually," says Reichel.

If the filter is not changed, it can quickly develop into a breeding ground for mold and bacteria and pollute all vehicle occupants.

5. Not every pair of sunglasses helps

The low sun is one of the classics in spring.

This can quickly dazzle motorists and thus become a danger in road traffic.

Good sunglasses can help here.

Provided you have the right one.

"Self-tinting glasses are generally not suitable because they mostly react to UV light, and most of this is filtered out in the car through the windshield," explains Reichel.

On the other hand, brown or gray lenses with a 65 to 75 percent tint are well suited.

Reichel advises against an even stronger tint, as very dark glasses swallowed too much light.

6. Don't get tired in the car

The time immediately after the time change (March 28th) is particularly dangerous for drivers.

The accident risk is then eight percent higher, according to TÜV Nord.

The missing hour of sleep obviously reduces the ability to concentrate and the ability to react.

In addition, there is the general springtime tiredness.

Especially in April it makes sense to get your circulation going particularly well in the morning and to take regular breaks in the fresh air on longer journeys.

7. Beware of potholes

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If water penetrates into cracks in the road and freezes in winter, potholes quickly develop.

These are unpleasant surprises for drivers.

However: "Either the federal government or the municipalities, i.e. cities and municipalities, are responsible for the safe condition of roads and paths," says Heinze.

If there are no warning signs indicating a damaged road surface, drivers can claim compensation from the municipality if their vehicle has been damaged by a pothole.

“The burden of proof lies with the injured party, that is, with the driver,” said Heinze.

Otherwise, the fully comprehensive insurance bears the pothole damage.

8. Beware of deer crossing

According to the German Hunting Association (DJV), the time change also exacerbates the risk of accidents involving wildlife.

Twilight, morning rush hour traffic and the wild animals looking for food would then coincide.

The time between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. in April and May is particularly prone to accidents.

Particular caution is required, especially on roads along the edge of the forest and field or through the forest.

Here, drivers should reduce their speed as a precaution, advises the DJV.

9. Check liquids in the car

A look under the hood is part of the standard care in spring.

In addition to engine oil and cooling water, it is also important to check the windscreen washer system.

According to the ADAC, it is important here: Not every detergent additive for the summer can be mixed with the existing frost protection from the winter.

The level of oil, cooling and washer fluid is part of the check

Source: dpa-tmn

Nevertheless, the winter additive should not be used unnecessarily in summer.

Because, for example, against insect residues, winter remedies have more or less a chance.

10. Be careful with convertibles and classic cars

Convertibles and oldtimers are also popular in springtime to be brought out of hibernation.

The ACV first advises careful hand washing as a care program.

“With old paintwork, rubber seals and convertible fabric roofs, you should be careful with the high-pressure jet,” says Gerrit Reichel.

When driving through the car wash, convertible owners should also forego the hot wax program, as this could damage the coating on the convertible top.

Small damage to the paintwork can be repaired by yourself with a little patience

Source: dpa-tmn