Mar 11, 2021

After a long and messy winter, spring isn’t just a good time to clean your house. It’s also the perfect time to give your car a good cleaning! You can get your vehicle bright and shiny again when you use a few of these spring cleaning tips and tricks.

  1. Give it a Good Wash

If you were driving on snowy or icy roads this winter, you likely have an accumulation of salt on your vehicle, especially underneath it. Salt can cause corrosion and damage the metal components of your car, including the coil springs, exhaust and muffler systems, and frame. When you’re washing your vehicle, pay special attention to the undercarriage to remove as much buildup as possible. Also, don’t forget to apply a new coat of wax to add some shine and protect the paint.

  1. Change Your Wiper Blades

Cold temperatures and winter weather can do a number on your wiper blades. Since springtime often means spring showers, now is a good time to replace your blades. Newer blades will do a better job of cleaning your windshield and make it easier to see. Most blades last around six months, but you can try to extend their life by using a clean rag to wipe them down with glass cleaner. If you have a rear windshield wiper, don’t forget to replace it at the same time you replace the front ones.

  1. Check Your Tires

Between fluctuating temperatures changing the air pressure inside your tires and potholes wrecking your suspension, winter weather can quickly wear down your tires. To see if you still have enough tread on your tires, stick a penny head down into the grooves. If you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are still in good shape. However, if you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace your tires. Also, if you have winter tires on your car, now is a good time to put your all-season tires back on.

  1. Clean the Inside

Once the outside of your vehicle is clean, it’s time to focus on cleaning the inside. After you remove any trash, use a vacuum to clean up dirt or small rocks that you tracked inside. Next, power wash your floor mats to remove ground-in dirt and mud. A microfiber cloth and mild cleaner are ideal for wiping away dust that has accumulated on the dash. Lastly, you can use a glass cleaner to make your windows and mirrors shine.

  1. Inspect the Air Conditioning System

To prepare for hot summer weather, you’ll want to ensure your air conditioning is properly working. Turn the air conditioner to its highest setting and make sure it gets to a cool temperature. If not, you’ll want to take your car to your mechanic for maintenance. If it has been more than 30,000 miles since you replaced your cabin air filter, you should have that changed as well.

When you use these spring cleaning tips and tricks, you and your vehicle will be ready for the beautiful days of spring.