Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car

Spring Cleaning Your Car

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. The warmer weather and sunny spring skies are the perfect time to detail clean your vehicle. Especially since driving in the winter tends to lead to a build-up of dirt, salt, and debris on your car. If not properly cleaned, that build-up can oxidize into rust. Spring cleaning your car can remove harmful build-up before it causes damaging rust and allows you to start the season with a clean slate.

Preparing to Detail Clean Your Vehicle

Before you clean your car this spring, gathering the supplies you’ll need is a good idea. Consider having the following on hand:

  • Bucket
  • Hose
  • Car wash soap
  • Car wax
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Wheel and tire cleaner
  • Wheel brush
  • Microfiber Towels

You’ll also need a workspace that allows water to drain properly.  If you’re washing your vehicle in your garage, ensure you have good ventilation to prevent mold or mildew.

Checklist for Spring Cleaning Your Car

Once you have your supplies and workspace prepared, you’re ready to begin cleaning. This checklist for spring cleaning your car can help make sure you don’t miss a thing.

1. Hand Wash and Wax the Exterior

Start by hand washing your car, as this allows you to inspect your vehicle for any damage to the exterior of your car. Make sure to wash the easy-to-miss areas like door jams or hood openings. Once clean, apply a layer of car wax to protect your vehicle from the elements.

2. Maintain Tires

Maintain your tires by scrubbing them with a wheel brush to remove embedded dirt and debris. Rinse the tires with warm soapy water and watch for any damage like leaks or worn treads. If you’re still using your winter tires, it’s a good time to switch them out.

3. Inspect Car for Rust

Inspect your car for rust after washing. Thoroughly inspect areas like your trunk or hood openings, door jams, wheel wells, and any moldings on your vehicle. Look for scratches or bubbles in your vehicle’s paint to pinpoint any problem areas. If you find rust or damage, take your car to your trusted auto body shop for repair. A quick response can prevent that damage from worsening.

4. Check Hotspots for Damage

Some hot spots for damage on a vehicle include the windows and mirrors, windshield, or headlights. Thoroughly clean and check for any cracks or chips that may have occurred during the winter. When inspecting your windshield, make sure to check your windshield wipers. Experts recommend that windshield wipers should be changed at least once a year to prevent them from cracking or tearing.

5. Clean Your Vehicles Interior

Cleaning your vehicle’s interior can give you that “new car” feeling this spring. Focus on wiping down the steering wheel, center console, and dashboard. If dust has accumulated in your vents, a small brush can help clear it and get clean air flowing. Lastly, vacuum the carpet, floor mats, and seats to remove any debris that may have accumulated.

By using this checklist when spring cleaning your car, you not only start the season with a clean slate, but you also can quickly spot any issues that need repair.

Trusted Auto Body Shop, Pole Position Auto Body 

If you find damage when spring cleaning your car, make sure to take it to the experts for repair. Pole Position Auto Body has repaired vehicles throughout Metro Detroit for over three decades. Our experience and top-tier service make us the trusted one-stop shop for all your vehicle’s needs. We value your time and strive to complete all repairs three days sooner than other repair facilities, using only the best repair techniques.

Call Pole Position Auto Body: 586-775-4825 – Where Excellence is a Habit, Not an Act!