Half term is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the little jobs that often get pushed aside. Whether you’re staying at home with the kids or heading off on a family road trip, Fix-It February is all about simple yet satisfying DIY jobs – some of which the kids can even help with!
You don’t need expensive tools or loads of time, just a free morning or afternoon, and a willingness to tick a few things off the list from cleaning your car to organising your garage.
Give your car a proper clean
Winter weather is tough on cars. Road salt, mud, wet coats and snack crumbs all build up quickly, especially with kids in the back seats.
A proper clean is a great place to start – not only does it make your car look great, it also gives you that satisfying sense of everything feeling in order and productive. Plus, it’s one of the easiest jobs to turn into a family activity.
Start by using a pressure washer or snow foam on the exterior to remove winter grime, including the wheels. Vacuum the seats, footwells and the boot and finally, wipe down dashboards and door handles.
Younger kids can help rinse the car or foam it up, while older kids can tackle vacuuming or wiping interior surfaces. Wheels are always a favourite and it’s oddly satisfying seeing the difference straight away.
Check your oil and fluids before a half term road trip
If you’re planning to travel during half term, a quick fluid check can help prevent problems further down the line, and it only takes a few minutes.
Before your journey, be sure to check:
- Engine oil level (and top up if needed)
- Screen wash levels
- Coolant level
Topping up your oil helps keep your engine protected, particularly on longer journeys or busy motorway drives. Enter your reg on our website, and we’ll show you the products that are compatible with your vehicle.
With supervision, kids can help read the dipstick, watch the oil level change, or help pour the screen wash. It’s a great way to show them how cars work and why checks and maintenance matter.
Check your tyres for safety and efficiency
Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop, and worn tyres can make driving unsafe – especially if you’re loading up the car for a half term road trip. Keeping your tyres properly inflated helps improve safety, fuel efficiency and handling, so it’s worth checking them regularly.
You can find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle on the fuel cap, door sill or in your vehicle handbook. If the pressure is low, inflate the tyres to the recommended level before you set off.
It’s also important to check tread depth and look out for any visible damage, as worn or damaged tyres can lead to problems on longer journeys. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, so make sure your tyres are in good condition before you travel.
Older kids can help read the pressure numbers or track down the recommended pressures in the handbook or door frame – a simple way to turn a routine check into a quick learning moment.
Sort out the car boot
Car boots have a habit of becoming a storage cupboard on wheels. Half term is a great excuse to reset it and get organised.
Start by removing any items you no longer need – it’s surprising what rubbish can build up! A car bin is a great way of storing rubbish – particularly if you have kids!
If you don’t have basic or emergency items such as a torch, blanket and screen wash, now is a good idea to stock up! You can also organise any loose cables, jump leads or charging equipment to ensure everything is clear and tidy.
Investing in a boot organiser is a great way of keeping these items in order. A clear boot means more space for luggage, bikes or scooters and less stress when you’re in a hurry.
To get the kids involved – set a 15-minute timer and challenge the family to clear everything quickly and efficiently.
Replace worn wiper blades
If your wipers are smearing, squeaking or leaving streaks, they’re not doing their job properly and visibility is crucial in winter driving.
Make sure you check your wipers for cracks or general wear and replace them if you notice any damage. It’s one of the simplest DIY fixes and makes an immediate difference the next time it rains.
You could get the kids to test the washers before and after, so they can see just how much clearer the windscreen is.
Check bikes and scooters
With kids home from school, bikes and scooters often come back out – especially as days start to get a bit lighter.
Make sure to check bike tyre pressure and pump up, if necessary, check that brakes are working properly, oil the chains and adjust the saddle height if kids have grown. If you’d rather bring in some help for Fix-It February, you can always book in a Free Bike Check and one of our experts will take a look.
If you want to get the kids involved, they can help pump up the tyres, spin the wheels and check the brakes. Older children can even help oil chains with a bit of guidance. Turn it into a mini ‘bike MOT’ before the next ride.
Garage organisation
Half term is also a great chance to tackle tool storage and garage organisation. Over time, tools tend to get scattered between cupboards, drawers and car boots, making even simple jobs harder than they need to be. Taking a short amount of time to sort and store tools properly from screwdrivers and spanners to bike pumps and cleaning products, helps keep everything easy to find and safer to use. Discover our range of tool cabinets and shelving units that will ensure your tools are safe, secure and easy to find.
Fix-It February isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing something. A cleaner car, topped-up oil, safe tyres or a quick bike check can make everyday journeys easier and half term trips far more relaxed.
And if you’d rather leave it to the experts, Halfords is always here to help – with the tools, products and services to keep you and your family moving safely all year round.
Don’t forget that many of our great products featured here are available at discounted trade rates! If you’re a trade professional, apply for a Trade Card today to access exclusive pricing and offers.