Many Americans are finally coming out of hibernation after another long winter. Car care should be a top priority on their spring cleaning list. After several months in the elements, vehicles need to be thoroughly looked over.
This type of preventative maintenance
has several benefits for car owners. Addressing issues beforehand ensures they won’t make a surprise appearance on your summer road trip. Aside from contributing to better resale value down the road, it also provides better value for money spent
. It’s financially beneficial to change the oil now, rather than change a neglected motor down the road. April is National Car Care Month, according to Firestone
, so take advantage of the warmer weather to clean your vehicle from the inside out. Interior car care
Create a blank canvas by removing the accumulation of backseat garbage first. Vacuum all the winter debris out of the carpet and seats. Take a moment to enjoy the clear view after washing the windows.
Make that cabin really shine with a shampoo and antibacterial cleaner. Scrub the spilt coffee in the cupholder. Autotrader
reminds us to disinfect those frequently-touched areas: radio controls, door handles, steering wheel, seatbelts, garage opener, and gear selector. 2. Remove winter gear from the trunk
You no longer need winter safety materials like tire chains or sand. Pull out the snow brush, ice scraper, extra hats and mittens. If you don’t usually have these on hand, it’s something to remember for next year! And if you live in an area with a high-risk of summertime wildfires, consider keeping a shovel and pail of water in the trunk.
Now is a great time to make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is functional. This is not something you want to find out on the first hot day of summer! The News Wheel
recommends inspecting the cabin air filters and replacing them, if necessary. Spring cleaning is not strictly a physical task. Take this opportunity to call your dealership and check for any outstanding recalls. Newer models may require updates for computer or infotainment systems. Calculate fuel mileage to determine whether it aligns with your vehicle’s advertised fuel economy. A discrepancy may indicate some underlying issues.
MORE: How to Check Tire Pressure
Exterior care care
Be diligent when it comes to spring cleaning the exterior of your car. Certain areas will salt the roads in winter, so you’ll need something acidic to remove it. Mix hot water and vinegar to remove all traces of salt in order to avoid future rust. Thoroughly clean the undercarriage and don’t forget to wax after washing.
Starting with the obvious here: Switch out your winter tires for summer tires. Check that the tread is not too worn. If your tires are not wearing evenly, a wheel alignment may be required.
Insider
highlights the importance of a tire rotation. This should be done regularly even if you don’t experience seasonal changes where you live. Once installed, make sure tire pressures are set according to the manufacturer’s specifications.If required, replace those wiper blades. Even in hotter climates, rubber can crack with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. A washer fluid top-up is a must, and check the windshield for any chipping or damage.
A full fluid check is highly recommended, which includes transmission, brake, and antifreeze. The most obvious one being engine oil, of course. It needs to be regularly drained and replaced, including the oil filter. As Car and Driver
reminds us, skipping this step is yet another benefit of EV ownership. Check for leaks by laying a large piece of cardboard down on the ground beneath your vehicle. If any fluid stains appear, the coloring and amounts will indicate problem areas. Winter weather, and the subsequent spring thaw, can wreak havoc on roadways. Potholes and rocks can damage suspension components, shocks, and struts. Car care should always include replacing brake pads and rotors when necessary.
Low temperatures will affect battery performance. Inspect the plugs and wires in the vicinity as well, to ensure proper connection.
Your safety is arguably the most important part of spring cleaning. Scrub your lights and replace any burnt out bulbs, so you can see in the dark and other drivers can see you. Polish hazy headlights and tail lights using a soft toothbrush with a baking soda and water mixture.
Always scan the body of your vehicle for scratches in the paint or dents in the paneling. These can lead to rust, which will only intensify the damage.
Spring cleaning your insurance policy
MORE: Houston Mazda Dealerships Offer Free Oil Changes and Car Washes for Teachers
Maybe your car care routine includes the ultimate treatment of winter storage? Remember to remove the mothballs or dryer sheets, and check for any unwanted critters and nests. Fuel doesn’t have a very long shelf life either, so make sure to add fresh gasoline
to the tank before you fire up the engine. Maybe you’re paying too much for car insurance? Jerry
will give your policy a spring cleaning. Simply download the app and answer a few questions in as little as 45 seconds. Receive quotes from top carriers instantly. Once you’ve made your selection, Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy. 
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