The car expert gave tips on preparing the car for spring

By the beginning of spring, motorists should go to a service station to conduct a full-fledged diagnosis of the chassis and engine, as well as to study the condition of the body paintwork. Nikita Rodionov, technical director of the international franchise network of car service centers, told about this on February 27 in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

After the winter period, it is important to check all technical fluids, he noted, since it is recommended to change engine oil more often in Russian operating conditions than indicated in the manual under standard conditions. With a winter mileage of over 7-8 thousand km, it needs to be replaced. It is also worth checking the level and condition of brake and coolant fluids, transmission oil, the expert advised. It is important to inspect all nodes for leaks, they often occur after winter.

"The next mandatory check is the chassis and steering. If there is no time for a full diagnosis of the car, then it is necessary to check the chassis. There should be no leaks, backlashes, or damage. When checking, we pay special attention to shock absorbers, ball bearings, bushings, as well as important details such as silent blocks and dust covers. They are the ones that need to be replaced after the cold season most often," explained Rodionov.

You should also make sure that the brake system is working properly, because due to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and road dirt that accumulates in the open nodes of the car, the pads wear out faster. Replacing the cabin filter is most often necessary in the spring, as a large amount of dirt accumulates on it over the winter. In addition, if chips or corrosion appear on the body over the winter, it is better not to delay a visit to the body service station, the specialist advised.

On February 25, auto expert Alexander Korotkov said that demand for pickups in Russia is gradually growing, largely due to the advent of affordable Chinese models. If earlier this segment was represented mainly by expensive Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200, now interesting "Chinese" alternatives are offered. However, later models from China appeared on the secondary market with this type of body can be illiquid, he warned.