While we’ve all had some extra time at home to tidy up our houses and yards, we can’t forget about our vehicles! It feels like forever since we’ve been out on the road, and we’ve really missed our cars. Although we aren’t driving nearly as often right now, we will be soon, and that is why it is important to make sure our cars are clean and running properly.
Make sure your car is in prime condition for the next time you are behind the wheel by following our interior and exterior Spring Cleaning Car Care Checklist:
Cleaning the Interior
- Remove Trash: Cars fill up quickly when you have kids and are always on the go; receipts, water bottles, wrappers, etc. Make sure the first thing you do is pick up all of the trash on the inside and place a bag that can serve as a trashcan for the next time you have to throw something away.
- Shake out Mats: Remove all large pieces of trash or debris from the floor mats of your car. After, take all of the mats out of your car and shake them out in an open area, and then lay them in a clean spot. To make cleaning easier in the future, look into purchasing heavy-duty rubber mats.
- Clean Vents and Ducts: The best way to do this is with pressurized air, but if you don’t have it you can use a dusting cloth or a wet wipes
- Vacuum: Try and get every part of your vehicle that you can, this includes floorboards, seats, under the seats, trunk, cup holders, and any other space that is large enough. Don’t forget to vacuum the floor mats before putting them back in your car as well.
- Organize: If you have certain items that you keep in your car at all times, like blankets, umbrellas, chairs, sports equipment, reusable shopping bags, coolers, etc. Take these out, make sure each item is clean and has a special place that will not cause clutter or take up too much space when you put it back in your car after it’s been vacuumed. Placing organization bins in your trunk can help out with this.
- Wipe Down: Use a wet wipe or dusting cloth to clean and wipe down your dash, front console, and anywhere else that dirt can hide. And then if you would like to go an extra step you can detail your dash by using a microfiber cloth and some polish or dashboard wipes to make your steering wheel and dash shine.
- Change Air Freshener: After your car is clean from top to bottom change out your air freshener to a nice spring scent and you are good to go!
Now that your car is clean on the inside, it’s time to make sure everything is up and running properly on the outside.
Cleaning & Checking the Exterior:
- Get an Oil Change: You should change your oil about every 5,000 miles depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle and your own personal driving habits. This will help keep your engine clean and running properly.
- Check the Air Filter: Air filters should be changed at least every 15,000 miles. Air filters are inexpensive and will help you increase your gas mileage, reduce emissions, and allow more air to flow to your engine to help it run smoothly and prolong it’s life.
- Check Your Tires: If a car has been sitting for long periods of time, especially in colder weather, pressure can slowly leak out of your tires, so it is important to check your air pressure and make sure you have the right amount. While you are checking the pressure look at the tread on your tires, if it is low consider getting new tires altogether.
- Buy New Wipers: Spring is rainy season for most of the US, and when you are driving in the middle of a spring storm, it is important that your windshield wipers do their job. You should replace them once a year, so spring is the perfect reminder.
- Go Through the Car Wash: Dust, mud, pollen, bugs, and rain residue are all commonly found on cars in the spring. Make your car look shiny and new by taking it through the car wash and getting a polish or by giving it your own wipe down at home! Pro tip: don’t forget the tires!
Drive safe!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
California Casualty specializes in customized auto & home / renters insurance for Educators, Firefighters, Peace Officers, Nurses, & Higher Education Employees. Learn more about our exclusive features and benefits. Get an online quote or give us a call at 1-866-704-8614 today.
Latest posts by California Casualty (see all)
- Graduation – When to Remove Your Child from Your Auto Policy - May 18, 2023
- How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft - May 17, 2023
- How Much Does Home Insurance Cost? - May 17, 2023