1). Detail the Exterior
During the winter months, your car's exterior will take a beating. That includes everything from snow, sleet, and rain to salt deposits that can build up under the vehicle. To help clean out all that winter mess, be sure to have the exterior professionally cleaned and detailed.
If you hire a pro to get the job done, then you should have no problem getting a squeaky clean exterior. However, if you are doing the job yourself, then there are some things that you need to keep in mind. First, be sure to use a pressure washer on the hard-to-reach places on your vehicle. Also, be sure to remove any salt deposits underneath the vehicle.
2). Deep Clean the Carpeting
You will also want to do some deep cleaning of the vehicle. Chances are that you have gotten some snow, sleet, and ice into your vehicle over the winter months. All of those deposits can sink themselves deep into the carpet which can lead to excessive wear.
The best way to deep clean your carpeting is to use a powerful vacuum along with some carpet cleaning shampoo. Be sure to do an extra pass on areas of the carpet that gets lots of foot traffic. By carefully cleaning your vehicle's interior carpeting, you will be able to enjoy a fresher interior.
3). Organize Items
While you are inside your vehicle, you will want to organize any items that you keep in there in regular bases. For instance, you will want to take a look at your glove compartment and any other storage areas. Also, be sure to clean out any garbage that does not below in the vehicle.
You may also want to consider getting some cargo organizers which can help you keep everything in place. With a cargo organizer, you can prevent items from shifting as you drive. Some of the best places for cargo organizers include the truck and second-row passenger areas.
4). Clean out the Truck
Also, be sure to clean out the trunk. All too often, the trunk becomes an area where people tend to store items that they do not want in the cabin of their vehicle. However, lots of items can accumulate over time and cause you to have storage issues when you need it most.
Be sure to clean out items that you do not need on the road. If you still need to hold on to these items, then consider getting some organizer bins and keeping these items in your garage.
5). Clean the Vents
You always want to make sure that you and your occupants enjoy clean cabin air while inside your vehicle. That's why you will want to have your vents cleaned out. Most service centers offer what is known as a ventilation cleaning service. This service will remove any dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants that can build up in the vents.
Once you have the vents cleaned out, you will be surprised by how clean the air will feel inside your cabin. This can not only lead to a healthier cabin air quality, but it may also prevent health and breathing issues.
6). Clean Out the Engine Bay
Dirt and grime not only accumulate in the exterior of your vehicle. The engine bay can also get dirty during the winter months. If this important part of your vehicle is not properly cleaned, then you can end up with engine issues down the road.
You can have the engine bay professionally cleaned, or you can do it yourself. The key here is to make sure that the dirt and the grime is cleaned out of those hard-to-reach places.
7). Protect the Exterior with Wax
Once you have cleaned and detailed the exterior of the vehicle, you will want to protect the exterior of your vehicle with a coat of wax. The wax will act as a sealant that can help maintain the shine of your vehicle. Also, the wax will act as a layer of protection from items such as dirt, debris, braid drops, bug splattering, and more.
It is highly recommended that you wax your vehicle's exterior before the summer comes. That is when the most damage can be sustained on a vehicle's paint job.
8). Remove Any Salt Deposits
When cleaning the exterior of your vehicle, it is important that all salt deposits are removed. That is because the salt can eat into the vehicle's most sensitive areas and cause rusting. Sure, you can clean out the salt deposits yourself with a pressure washer. However, it is highly recommended that this is completed by a professional detailer.
9). Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Also, be sure to have the cabin air replaced. This important filter helps prevent dust, dirt, and debris from entering your vehicle's cabin. It is recommended that your vehicle's cabin air filter be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. You can replace the cabin air filter, or you can have the work done at a service center.
10). Replace the Windshield Wipers
Finally, you will want to make sure that your vehicle's windshield wipers are in good condition. That is because quality wipers will provide good viability on the road. If you notice that your current wipers are bent or have peeling rubber, then they should be changed right away. For best results, use Genuine OEM wiper blades.
Making Your Car Look Great for Spring Driving
Spring is a great time to hit the road and explore new places. Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the extra miles. Follow these tips to make your car cleaner than ever for spring driving.
