If you are looking to get out of spring cleaning duty in the house, we have a professional tip: get outside and do some spring cleaning on your car. It’s more fun, and if you choose the right music, you will even thoroughly enjoy it.
Here are Some Key Tips for Spring Cleaning for Your Vehicle
Roll up your sleeves and start with these essential tasks:
- Change Your Winter Tires. This may not be a DIY task, but we recommend getting into your mechanic’s shop to change out your winter tires for your summer or all-seasons. Yes, even those of us in North Carolina need winter tires, especially if we live near the mountains! Get that done, store your winters for next year, and you’ll save some money.
- Trash Duty. A few too many fast food bags or empty coffee cups taking up space on your seats and floors? Take a few minutes to remove all the trash and throw the recyclables in the bin. While you’re at it, organize your compartments and double-check that your insurance and registration documents are safely in your glove compartment.
- Carpet/Upholstery. Over the winter, your carpet and upholstery have accumulated a lot of sand, salt, mud, dirt, and debris. Clear it out with a thorough vacuuming, and if you want to go all out, rent a carpet-cleaning machine. Also, use a damp towel to wash down your seats - and a little Febreze never hurt anyone.
- Clean Your Console. Getting a little grimy here? Now’s the time to take care of it. Wipe down your console thoroughly (avoiding any electrical connections) and get the top of the dashboard as well. Think you’re done? Take a look at the cupholders. Hitting a bump, swerving to avoid a distracted driver, or navigating spring potholes tends to slosh the coffee and create a sticky mess. Attack it with some wet wipes, and then make sure everything is dried thoroughly.
- Clean the Windows. They’re not as pristine as they could be after a long winter. Use a window cleaner or vinegar diluted with water to shine them up. Be sure to get your mirrors too.
- Get Rid of the Junk in the Trunk. Is your spare tire in good condition? Do you have the necessary tools (e.g. jumper cables, flares, jack, lug wrench, etc.)? Can you put away your winter emergency kit until next year? Give the trunk a good vacuum as well.
- Take a Peek Under the Hood. Leaves, dirt, and debris can get trapped in the engine area. You may be able to deal with this by simply wiping down the edges. If it’s a big enough mess, consider having a pro clean it for you to ensure optimal, safe operation.
- Replace Your Windshield Wipers. They took a beating this winter. It’s a good idea to replace your wipers so you can deal with intense spring showers.
- Wash, Wheels, and Wax. To ensure safety during the winter, roads are treated with salt and sand that can do a number on your car’s exterior. Give the exterior a thorough wash - undercarriage and all - to get the grime out. Use a mild detergent and soft towel on the body. You will also want to remove the hubcaps, give them a good wash, scrub the tires and wheel wells, and check your tire pressure. Finally, use a spray or liquid wax to complete the project.
- Repair Dents and Dings Immediately. Winter can be a dangerous time for vehicles! If your car has sustained even minor damage, now is the time to get it fixed. A small scratch or dent, for example, can leave the underlying metal exposed to the elements. Rust forms, and if left unchecked, it spreads like wildfire. Save yourself the aggravation - and the expense - and get it taken care of now.
If you need to repair body damage to your car, give us a call. First Aid Auto is proud to serve the Western North Carolina area and take care of all your dent repair and bodywork needs. Happy Spring Cleaning!