Now that longer days and warmer weather are upon us, it’s officially time for spring cleaning. Cars are no exception. After a long, slushy winter, your car could probably use a refresh inside and out. Prepare your vehicle for spring and summer travel with these helpful tips.
1. Wash the Outside
Besides the normal dust, grime and oily road reside that accumulates on vehicles during bad weather, cars also accumulate mag chloride in the winter from salt on the roads. Though helpful when driving to prevent slips, mag chloride can deteriorate your car’s exterior over time. Prevent rusting and corrosion by giving your car a good exterior scrub. If the buildup is severe, you can find specialty products that will remove mag chloride safely. Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage and inside the wheel wells.
2. Wash the Inside
After a snowy winter, cars tend to get very dirty on the inside, especially around the floormats. Roll up your sleeves and get inside your vehicle to give it a good cleanout. Throw away trash, dust the dashboard, clean the inside of the windows and vacuum the floor mats and carpets. Bonus tip: freshen up with a vent clip or air freshener.
3. Give It a Checkup
Now is a great time to make sure your car is in top shape for summer traveling. Check your oil, make sure you have windshield washer fluid, and check your tire pressure. Additionally, you should check the quality of your tires before you plan any long trips. Some tire shops will even check and fill tires for free. Also, don’t forget about your air conditioning system. Preparing now will help take the stress out of rushing later when you’re ready to hit the road.
4. Take Care of Your Glass
We may be biased, but we put a lot of importance into caring for your vehicle’s glass. Take time to check out your windshield and windows to make sure there are no chips or cracks from the winter. Clean the glass with a safe, ammonia-free product on the inside and out, and make sure your wiper blades are not worn out. You’ll also want to top off on wiper fluid. With warmer weather coming, that means more bugs, so be sure you use a product that can wash away bugs if you’re planning a long trip.
5. Stock Your Glove Box
It’s time to switch out your winter vehicle necessities with summer essentials. Put away your ice scraper and heavy blankets and stock up with things you might need for summer travel. Sunscreen, wet wipes, sunglasses and a picnic blanket are all great things to keep in your vehicle. You might also keep a cooler in your trunk, as well as outdoor games or activities so you’ll always be prepared for spontaneous sunny weather fun!
From all of us here at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
