Take Out The Trash
Remove all that junk you have been stock piling this winter.
Be sure to check under and beside the seats and in the trunk.
Vacuum
You'll want to work from the top down, and pull out those gravely
floor mats for a quick pass with the vacuum. Then use a house or a shop vac to work
dirt out of the creases.
Scrub Carpet and Upholstery
Take a spray bottle of automotive-upholstery-cleaner and a scrub brush to clean anything cloth-covered. The carpet is most important, as it can keep water that accelerates rusting. When you're done, pull the drain plugs under the floor to let things air out for a few days. You'll be surprised at how much better the car smells.
Take a spray bottle of automotive-upholstery-cleaner and a scrub brush to clean anything cloth-covered. The carpet is most important, as it can keep water that accelerates rusting. When you're done, pull the drain plugs under the floor to let things air out for a few days. You'll be surprised at how much better the car smells.
Power-Wash the Floor Mats
If you've got all-rubber floor mats, they won't take long to
clean. Most self-service car washes have one. Be sure to let the mats dry
thoroughly before putting them back into the car or it could grow mold.
Swap Your Tires If Needed
If you have winter and summer tires be sure to swap them
early spring. Leaving winter tires on too long will result in excess wear,
because they soften with warmer temperatures.
Change Out Windshield Wipers
Wipers can get pretty beaten up in the winter. Make sure
they are in good working order before those spring rains hit.
Lubricate Hinges
Touch up door and other hinges with white lithium grease to
prevent squeaks and premature wear.
Clean the Windows
If windows are fogging up it usually means the inside
surface of your windows are dirty. Wash windows with a good car-window cleaner;
household stuff will make the fogging worse.
Wash the Car
Be sure to clean from top down. When the body is clean, an
automatic car wash can get the underbody washed off. This will rid it of road
salt.
Switch Out Cabin Air Filter
This filter keeps dirt, pollen and more from entering the
ventilation system. Best to check if this needs replaced.
Wipe Down the Entry
Wipe down door sills, and dust off any niches missed during
a car wash. Rub door seals with mineral oil or silicone spray to keep them soft.
Extras:
☐ Oil Change
☐ Add washer fluid
☐ Clean wheels and tires
☐ Inspect tread depth
☐ Test your tire pressure—including the spare
