The sun’s starting to warm up, the birds are chirping across the skies, and we’re seeing a color outside other than white and mud-brown; this can only mean that Spring has finally come.
There’s a lot to look forward to with the coming warm seasons, but there’s one thing you know you must deal with—that dreaded spring cleaning, with your car especially. Don’t try to act all innocent either.
Look, we get it; you go through the drive-thru and enjoy your meal, but that garbage can is so far away and cold outside. So, you just toss the bag in your backseat because… you’ll get it later, right?
Well, now that time has come. Believe it or not, spring cleaning can improve your car’s longevity and resale value if you’re looking to trade up in the future. Check out these vital spring cleaning tips to consider when that time comes for you.
Windshield Wipe Away Winter
Windshield wipers are the busiest during the winter season. Along with wiping away regular moisture, there’s also snow, ice and whatever residue is shot at you from the car in front of you. So, chances are that your wipers are close to their expiry date.
A great way to tell if you need new wipers checking the rubber. If it’s reasonably smooth, they still have life in them. If it feels rougher and cracked in some areas, it will not catch the moisture when needed. That’s when you know that new wipers are needed.
Replacements usually only go for $60 - $80, and you can simply change them out yourself with a YouTube tutorial.
Clean Under The Mats
Usually, most people hose off the mats on the floor first when cleaning a car. As you should since, after the messy winter, it’s probably built up a ridiculous amount of muck. But sometimes, people forget what’s going on underneath the surface.
This is usually where the most salt, dirt and gravel builds up. It might not seem like a big deal, but believe it or not, the salt and grime will eventually work themselves through the mats to the vehicle’s body, corroding it.
While the mats are drying off from the hose, kill some time by vacuuming and washing the surface as well.
Make The Headlights & Taillights Sparkle
After the messy winter season, your headlights are probably looking as foggy as a Transylvanian evening. The cloudier the headlights are, the more useless they become when you need them on a dark night.
So, you’ll need to bring them back to their former glory.
First, you can take a damp, warm cloth and clear off the surface as best you can. If you have any polish, take advantage of it. The warm cloth could also potentially remove some of the fog.
Suppose you want to try and remove more of the fog. In that case, you can try and remove the glass protector and use a simple combination of toothpaste and baking soda. You do that, and your headlights will sparkle like brand new.
Check Under The Seats
Remember when we said that you were probably throwing garbage in your backseat? Again, no judgement over here. However, there’s still a chance that food or other crud could make itself under your backseat and even the front seats.
Cleaning this out is crucial because leftover food can attract critters like squirrels and chipmunks to make nests in your engine. Where will they make nests, you ask? Just where the most padding is, like your filters.
Not only that but what’s under the seats could leave a foul odor in your car, which could add unnecessary distractions while driving. So, keep that in mind when it comes to spring cleaning. But speaking about your engine…
Don’t Forget Under The Hood
Granted, there isn’t much to scrub and clean when it comes to your engine, but you can still make it look presentable. Sticks, leaves and other grit will eventually make their way under the hood. You can quickly clear that away.
After that, and you scare away the little critters, you can check for other issues requiring closer attention. This could be rust starting, corrosion around the battery and so forth. Some of these can be fixed on your driveway, while others require a more professional touch.
You be the judge when you need to start spring cleaning.
