While you need to maintain your vehicle regularly, you might want to schedule an extra cleaning session in springtime. Spring cleaning is particularly important if you haven’t given your car a nice wash and vacuum since winter or you’ve just arrived from a weeklong spring break getaway. A Dodge dealership in El Paso, TX has some advice for you.
Trash and dust go first
Never apply any liquid cleaning agent on any surface inside your vehicle without getting rid of trash and dust first. You don’t want excess dust seeping into the fabric or filling hard-to-access cracks and gaps. Remove the floor mats, sweep away garbage and winter grime, and vacuum all surfaces, especially the seats. Wash the floor mats separate and dry them outside while you continue cleaning your car’s interior.
Wash and wipe
Depending on how much dirt and oil are left on your car’s interior surfaces after vacuuming, you can do either a deep clean or a standard wet wipe. If there are stains on the seats, scrub them off with a water-detergent solution and a clean cloth. Adding vinegar to the mixture may help increase your cleaning agent’s potency. Wipe your steering wheel, upholstery, dashboard, and cup holder with a clean cloth dipped in a water-soap solution to get rid of oil and grease.
Clean the dirt off the headlights and under the hood
Winter pollutants may be hiding from the most unlikely of places in your vehicle. Check under the hood for dirt and debris trapped between cables and tubes. The filter is probably already choking with dust. Either you replace it or wash it thoroughly. If your headlights are not as bright as they used to be, odds are they’ve grown hazy with dirt and moisture. Wipe away anything that’s fogging them.
Hose down the tires and the underside
Your car’s tires and underside are the first areas on your vehicle to collect grime. A good power wash can clear out just about any foreign material stuck in the treads and crevices of these areas. Just be careful not to use too much pressure to avoid damaging any component underneath your vehicle. Breaking even a single cable or tube can cause serious damage to your vehicle and pose risk of accident.
You might need new wipers
You’ve probably used your wipers nonstop throughout the winter and they’re already worn down. Check if they can still last the spring or if they need to be replaced. Don’t risk driving with a hazy windshield. Install new wiper blades if necessary. You are supposed to get new ones every six months or so anyway so just about now is the best time to do it.
Giving your car a thorough clean this season will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Additionally, it can make your spring break vacation comfortable and enjoyable because you don’t have to deal with a dirty and messy vehicle throughout your trip. Having bright headlights and a clear windshield can also help you drive safely around the countryside. Check out Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.
