Guide: Important tips for spring cleaning
OUT INTO THE OUTDOORS Spring is here, and the Swiss are heading out in their cars, campers and two-wheelers to enjoy the sunshine. The TCS gives tips on how to prepare vehicles for the warm season.
A car should be prepared for the summer months - regardless of whether you have driven it in winter or not. The interior and exterior of the vehicle should be cleaned, paying particular attention to the windows and mirrors. The exterior is best cleaned in a car wash, as the residues are also treated there. It also makes sense to carry out a spring check to check the main safety aspects. In addition, winter equipment can be removed in spring, as its weight affects fuel consumption and handling.
Check equipment and motorcycle
A motorcycle also needs to be prepared for spring. The lights, indicators and all safety-relevant components must be in good condition. The manufacturer's manual usually provides information on the necessary maintenance work.
Of course, attention must also be paid to the condition of the clothing. Boots, gloves and knee, shoulder and elbow protection integrated into the clothing as well as additional back protection are essential. To protect the head from serious injury, the helmet must comply with the ECE 22-05 standard. The TCS recommends changing it every five years or after a fall.
Always wear a helmet on your bike
The bike must be cleaned in spring. You should also lubricate the chain, the gearshift joints, the gearshift mechanism, the pedal bearings, the brake levers and the seat suspension. The battery of electric bikes must also be checked. If the charge has not been maintained at 50 to 70 percent, it must be recharged to at least this level. In Switzerland, helmets are only compulsory for fast e-bikes, but the TCS recommends wearing a helmet for all two-wheelers.
To prepare a camper for the new season, the oil level, battery and tire pressure should be checked. The same applies to the brakes, brake fluid and coolant. You should also make sure that the lighting is in order.