How to prepare your car for the main motoring season
Holiday trips away over the Spring & Summer months can place many demands on a car. Regular care ensures mobility, safety and peace of mind for both you and your passengers. In addition, it extends your car’s service life. What should preparation include?
Brake system check
The hardship of winter places increased demands on your vehicles brakes. Your local Škoda dealer can check the complete braking system including brake fluid levels (brake fluid lines and pipes for potential leaks) as well as your brake discs and pads. By asking your Škoda Service Dealer to examine your brakes you are increasing the safety of both you and your passengers. 
Cooling system check
With temperatures often dropping below freezing during winter it is possible your vehicle can develop coolant leaks due to freezing. Your local Škoda Service Dealer can complete a thorough check with particular focus on potential leaks. The coolant will be topped up and replaced if necessary.
Battery check

Your Škoda Dealer can also complete a check on your battery and if necessary have the battery terminals cleaned of oxidation and have the battery recharged. 

Shock absorber check

Over the winter road surfaces often deteriorate due to water and frost corrosion. The consequences are increased wear and tear on your vehicles suspension.  For a safe and comfortable drive it is important to check and maintain your vehicles shock absorbers, in particular their sealing, suspension and oscillation characteristics.  

Check on lighting
Properly adjusted headlights are important for a safe drive. We recommend that they be adjusted on the correct equipment at an authorised Škoda Service Dealer. Your dealer can supply and fit replacement bulbs for lights and turn signals as well as replacement fuses.
Check on windscreen wipers and lights

Windscreen wipers and washer jets are sometimes overlooked as important components of your car. Your safety depends on the quality of our view, in particular in unfavourable weather conditions. With the high levels of rain fall we enjoy here in Ireland we often have to change our wipers before our next service.

The functionality of washer jets also needs to be checked. The washer system should always be filled with a suitable blend of water and a recommended washer fluid. Your dealer can top up your vehicle with washer fluid and can also supply you with Škoda Original Washer Fluid from the range of Škoda Genuine Accessories so you can top up yourself at a later date.

Air conditioning check
Error-free functioning of the air-conditioning is important for safety as well as a pleasant cabin atmosphere during hot summer days. It pays to check the air-conditioning; your dealer can perform air-conditioning disinfection to eliminate unpleasant odors and bacteria Your dealer will also inspect and if necessary replace your vehicles pollen filter.
Check on engine levels
Before embarking on a long journey it is important to check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and top-up if necessary. Your dealer can show you how to inspect your engine levels and advise you on how to top up your vehicle yourself. Your dealer can also supply you with a range of recommended engine oils and lubricants.
Lubrication of hinges and door locks

After winter driving, it is important to check the door and boot hinges and door locks. If needed, the hinges and door locks can be treated by applying a manufacturer recommended door lock treatment.

What else to take with you in addition to mandatory car accessories

• Replacement washer filler for the washer jets   
• 1 litre of engine oil for top-ups
• Spare bulbs
• Car care cleaning products

Every year, authorised service dealers prepare seasonal checks as part of specially priced spring, summer and winter service promotions. Check with your authorised Škoda service dealer to find out what is currently on offer.