The New England weather is finally warming up and after the harsh winter conditions, your vehicle needs a bit of pampering to gear up for spring and summer activities. Here are some car cleaning tips and tricks you can take right now to get your vehicle looking and working in tip-top shape!
1. Declutter and deep clean
Remove all unnecessary items from your vehicle, including winter accessories like floor mats, ice scrapers, snow broom, and de-icer spray. Then, give it a thorough vacuuming, being sure to get into hard-to-reach areas where dirt and crumbs tend to hide. Finally, sanitize all surfaces, including the trunk, with disinfectant wipes or an interior car cleaner.
2. Condition the leather and interior surfaces
If you have leather seats, dashboard, or interior trim, treat them with a leather conditioner to maintain softness and to prevent cracking.
Use an interior detailer spray to clean and maintain interior surfaces. An all-in-one spray interior detailer and protectant will leave your dashboard, vinyl, plastics, and other interior surfaces clean, protected and shining. It will leave a non-greasy, “like new” finish on interior surfaces, while odor neutralizers remove smells and leave behind a clean, fresh scent.
3. Give your vehicle a thorough wash
Here’s a neat car cleaning tip: give you vehicle a thorough wash! First, treat your car or truck to a thorough wash to remove winter grime, salt residue, and road dirt. The sand, salt, and chemicals used on New England roads for winter storm prep and traction are corrosive on vehicle frames, brake lines and fluid lines … and paint! After washing, apply a quality wax to protect your vehicle’s paint from UV rays and keep it shining. Be sure to include an undercarriage wash to eliminate debris and grime that could lead to rust.
4. Keep your vehicle clean between washes
There are several products on the market that do a great job of cleaning your car in a time-saving and efficient manner in between thorough washes. Here are some tricks for keeping your vehicle looking great even if you have a busy schedule or if the neighborhood birds use your car for target practice!
5. Use a car duster
A car duster removes dust, pollen, and debris from the exterior surface and can also be used to remove cobwebs and loose dirt from the interior. It is gentle and provides a quick cleanup when you want to be sure your vehicle looks its best.
6. Use a quick detailer spray on the exterior surfaces
A quick detailer easily and in short order will remove water spots, dust, bird droppings, and other light contaminants on paint or other exterior surfaces. A quick detailer combines a cleaner and a protective super sealant that is easily applied to achieve a deep clean and long-lasting protection. Keep a quick detailer on hand for fast cleanups on lightly soiled areas for a neat car cleaning tip and trick.
7. Use a waterless wash
Also referred to as a “no-water car wash” or a spray-on car wash, this product can produce the same result as a water wash in less time. It is often comparable to a detail spray, but its solution is better at picking up molecules and smaller contaminates. If the dirt level on your vehicle is between a light dusting and having spent an hour under that nasty bird’s favorite light pole, then a waterless car wash can do the job.
8. Use a hydrophobic glass cleaner
For both interior and exterior glass, a hydrophobic glass cleaner uses a ceramic or graphene compound to repel water. This keeps the surfaces looking clean and clean for longer periods. In addition, hydrophobic glass cleaners protect windows and mirrors from building up water spots.
In addition to cleaning your vehicle to jumpstart your spring driving, you’ll want to ensure that it is ready to give you the most efficient operating performance. Here are some other areas that will need attention:
9. Check under the hood
Consult your owner’s manual for guidance. With the engine cool and turned off, inspect for leaks, cracks, or loose hoses. Be sure that oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, are at the recommended levels.
It is good practice to get an oil change to adjust to a new season, especially when transitioning from winter to spring. Some vehicles need heavier-weight oil for the winter months that can deal with colder temperatures. When the temperatures rise, it is good to change to an oil that is appropriate for the season.
10. Change the cabin air filters
There are two reasons to change your cabin air filters in the spring. If you have allergies, you will want your cabin air filter to be able to filter out pollen, dirt, dust, and other allergens. Secondly, You want to be sure that critters have not made your air filters a home during times where the vehicle may have been parked for extended periods. Changing the filter can discourage them from coming back.
11. Refresh your wiper blades
Ice, snow, or salt and sand residue can negatively impact your wiper performance. Inspect them for nicks and cracks and replace them as needed. If they still have life in them, use a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to refresh them.
12. Check your tires
Proper tire pressure is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Be sure they are inflated to the PSI recommended in your owner’s manual. Typically, the PSI is shown on a sticker located on the driver’s door jamb or on the tire itself. Also check the spare tire. In addition, inspect all tires for signs of damage or wear.
If you have winter tires on your vehicle, now is the time to swap them out for your summer tires. However, you will want to wait until the average temperature is over 40 degrees F.
13. Get a brake inspection
Wear and tear on the brakes increases in the winter months, so spring is the perfect time to check them. Difficult road conditions like slipping on ice cause us to use brakes more than we would normally. This more constant use can wear out brakes faster. If you notice squeaking, grinding or squealing, it’s time to get your brakes checked professionally.
14. Check your wheel alignment
New England potholes can do major damage to your wheel alignment. If you are swapping out your winter tires, use this time to have a wheel alignment done. In addition, have your mechanic look at your shocks and struts for any winter damage.
Call BDR Automotive for a professional diagnosis and more car cleaning tips
Keeping your vehicle clean throughout the year takes time, but the result is well worth the effort. You will be driving a sparkling car or truck, but you are also protecting the interior and exterior finishes for years to come.
Furthermore, a professional checkup by a trusted mechanic is invaluable. A professional technician will catch potential problems early, saving you money and stress. If you have questions about your vehicle’s maintenance, call BDR Automotive at 508-429-4720 or schedule an appointment online.