It’s that time of year! Break out the dust pans and broomsticks because spring is in the air and spring cleaning is on the agenda. While you’re preparing for the sunnier season don’t forget to prepare your car for the new weather as well. Here are some tips on how to get your car all ready for spring!
Wash Your Car and Get It Detailed
Spring is the ideal time to give your car a thorough cleaning both inside and out. Getting your ride washed, waxed, buffed and polished can really give your car a face lift after dealing with snow, ice, salt and more during those harsh winter months. Don’t just settle for your car looking better, make sure it feels better too. Bring your car back to showroom condition by having the interior vacuumed, shampooed and having the leather and plastic surfaces treated. A detail also gets all of the dirt and crumbs out of those hard to reach places.
Touch Up Paint and Small Dents
For minor dings and chips purchase some automotive touch up paint and carefully fill in all the scuffs and scratches. It won’t be a professional job but it will prevent rust from attaching itself to your sheet metal.
If you have some more substantial damage to your vehicle make a visit to your service department or local body shop. Different repairs have different prices but to keep your car in fair cosmetic condition it is worth an occasional visit to a professional. Having a car in good condition makes it easier to sell down the line and if your interested in an upgrade bring it to your dealer service center; they can give you a trade in quote before you pay to have any work done!
Check Your Oil & Tire Pressure
These are routine procedure that every driver should keep up with but when life gets busy they are the last things on your mind. Be sure that you are checking your oil frequently and getting it changed according to your manufacturer standards. Getting your oil changed when needed is a easy and effective way to keeping your car in top performing condition while letting your oil get too low can cause detrimental damage to your vehicle.
Be cautious of wear on your tires after the winter months. The start of spring is the ideal time to make sure your tires are properly inflated, your spare tire included. It is also a fantastic time to have your tires rotated and balanced to make sure you are getting the maximum life span from each tire.
Invest in New Floor Mats
Winter is a very harsh time for your floor mats, especially if they are made of typical carpet. Spring is a great time to evaluate your floor mats and see if they need replaced. Some drivers even upgrade their floor mats from carpet to rubber or synthetic materials. These are easier to clean and don’t allow dirt, mud, water and more to get to your cars carpeting.
Clean Out Your Glove Compartment
First off, when cleaning out your glove compartment make sure that all important documents are where they need to be. Know where your insurance information is as well as your vehicle’s registration and owners manual. Clean out all of the un necessary papers and receipts that accumulate in your glove compartment over time time make sure these documents are easily accessible.
The glove compartment is also a great place to keep contact information from your local dealership and mechanic as well as any service coupons you acquire. It would also be a good idea to keep a tire gauge and pair of work gloves in there in case you need them while on the road.
If you follow these five steps you and your ride are ready for spring! Enjoy the sunshine and drive safe.
Pohanka Toyota of Salisbury 