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Spring Car Maintenance Checklist for Perth Drivers
Winter is behind us. Here is how to get your Toyota ready for the warmer months ahead.
Perth winters are mild by most standards, but months of rain, cold mornings and wet roads still take a toll on your car. As the days warm up, spring is a good time to run through a simple car maintenance checklist and sort out the small things before they turn into bigger ones.
This guide covers three jobs that matter most after winter: wiper blades, cabin air filters and tyres. We explain what to look for, why it matters, and when it makes sense to have our Toyota-trained technicians take a look.
Why spring is the right time for a car check
Winter is hard on the parts of your car that deal with the weather. Wiper blades work overtime, tyres lose pressure in the cold, and filters collect a season's worth of dust and moisture. Spring brings its own demands too. Pollen levels rise, the air conditioning starts getting more use, and plenty of Perth families begin planning weekends down south or up the coast. A quick check now means your Toyota is ready for all of it.
1. Wiper blades
Check them after a wet winter
Your wiper blades have probably done more work over the past few months than the rest of the year combined. The rubber edge wears down with use, and Perth's strong sun hardens and cracks it over time. Worn blades leave streaks across the glass, which can make it harder to see in the rain or when driving into low morning and afternoon sun.
Signs your wiper blades need replacing
- Streaks or smears left behind after each wipe
- A chattering, skipping or squeaking sound across the glass
- Patches of the windscreen the blade misses
- Rubber that looks cracked, split or is peeling away from the frame
How long do wiper blades last?
As a general guide, many drivers find their wiper blades need replacing around once a year. It depends on how often you use them and how much sun your car sees, and blades on cars parked outside tend to wear faster. While you are at it, top up your windscreen washer fluid. Spring pollen and summer dust will soon give it plenty of work.
2. Cabin air filters
Cleaner air for hay fever season
The cabin air filter, sometimes called a pollen filter, cleans the air that comes into your car through the vents. It traps dust, pollen and other particles before they reach you and your passengers. Over time the filter fills up, and a blocked filter can let through more of what it is meant to keep out. Spring is hay fever season in Perth, so if anyone in your family suffers from allergies, a fresh filter can help reduce the amount of pollen that makes its way into the cabin.
What a blocked filter can affect
A clogged cabin filter can reduce airflow through the vents, so your air conditioning may feel weaker than usual when the first warm days arrive. Some drivers also notice a musty smell when they switch the air conditioning on after winter. Both can be signs the filter is due for a change.
How often should I change my cabin air filter?
The replacement interval varies between models and driving conditions, so your owner's manual or service logbook is the best guide. Cars that spend a lot of time on dusty roads or in heavy traffic may need a new filter sooner. When your Toyota comes in for a scheduled Toyota service, our technicians can check the cabin filter and let you know if it needs replacing.
3. Tyres
Pressure, tread and condition
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, so they deserve some attention after winter. Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop, and wet roads and potholes can leave damage that is easy to miss.
Check your tyre pressure
Correct tyre pressure helps your car brake, corner and handle as it should, and it can also help your tyres last longer. You will find the recommended pressures for your Toyota on the tyre placard, usually inside the driver's door frame. Check the pressures when the tyres are cold, ideally once a month and before any long drive.
Check your tyre tread depth
In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5 mm across the tyre. Most tyres have small raised bars called tread wear indicators moulded into the grooves, and once the tread wears down level with these, the tyre needs replacing. Tread matters most on wet roads, where it helps clear water from under the tyre and keeps you gripping the road.
Look for damage and uneven wear
Walk around your car and look for cuts, bulges or objects stuck in the tread. Uneven wear, such as one edge wearing faster than the other, can point to a wheel alignment issue worth having checked. Regular tyre rotation also helps your tyres wear evenly. Ask our service team whether it is due for your vehicle.
Your Spring Car Maintenance Checklist
Use this quick list to check your Toyota over the next few weeks.
| Item | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper blades | Streaks, noise or cracked rubber | Replace if you notice any of these signs |
| Washer fluid | Reservoir level | Top up now |
| Cabin air filter | Weak airflow or a musty smell from the vents | Have it checked at your next service, or sooner if you notice symptoms |
| Tyre pressure | Pressures against the placard in the driver's door frame | Check monthly and before long trips |
| Tyre tread | Depth against the tread wear indicators | Replace before the tread reaches 1.5 mm |
| Tyre condition | Cuts, bulges or uneven wear | Have the tyre inspected promptly |
Book your Spring Service at New Town Toyota
Some of these checks are easy to do at home. For peace of mind, our Toyota-trained technicians can look over your wiper blades, cabin filter and tyres when your car comes in for a service, and fit Toyota Genuine Parts if anything needs replacing.
Short on time? We take last-minute service bookings, so if you need your car looked at before a weekend away, get in touch and our team will do their best to fit you in. Express Maintenance and Saturday servicing are also available to work around your
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I replace my wiper blades?
What is a cabin air filter in a car?
How often should I change my cabin air filter?
What is the legal minimum tyre tread depth in Western Australia?
Can I book a last-minute service at New Town Toyota?
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