With the winter season upon us, it’s time to refresh your car with a thorough cleaning. We’ve put together this handy guide for car owners like you. Spring into action with these tips to rejuvenate your ride.
Start With the Outside
A trip to the car wash will usually bring back your car’s shine after it’s covered in dirt for all that holiday shopping. Removing this grime will help prevent rust from forming on your car’s mechanical systems. According to experts, dirty or rusted components such as the brake lines, exhaust system, and fuel tanks can lead to safety issues.
Start with your tires. Spray well with an appropriate cleaner. Then scrub the rubber and the rims with a firm brush.
Next, move on to the body. Wash your car top to bottom with a product made for your vehicle’s finish. Fill a bucket with clean, soapy water and use a sponge or soft bristle brush to remove surface dirt. Hose off the entire car, including the underbody, and finish up by drying, using a clean microfiber towel.
Move on to the Interior
If you’re like most of us, your car is full of clutter that’s accumulated over the summer and busy holiday season. Grab a trash bag and toss out those receipts, fast food cups, and wrappers that have been sitting around for months.
Clean the dash, console, and other plastic surfaces with a mild cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth. The type of towels you use in your car is important and should be soft and highly absorbent, without leaving a ton of lint behind.
The next step is to grab the shop vac and clean your seats, floor mats, and don’t forget the trunk. Remove the mats and spray them thoroughly with soapy water or carpet cleaner, depending on their material. Use only a quality cleaner on any leather upholstery or surfaces like your leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The last step is to spray a vinegar glass cleaner directly onto a waffle cloth to clean windows. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage your car’s surfaces, and the fumes can be irritating to your eyes and nose.
Going the Extra Mile
If your grill is buried under layers of tar, sap, and bugs, use a product designed to remove these hard-to-clean substances. There are several products available at your local automotive store for a reasonable price, frequently under ten bucks. Be sure that the product you choose is designed to tackle the stubborn gunk that may permanently damage your finish.
Consider taking a few moments to touch up any scratches or chips in your paint job. Exposed bare metal is not only unsightly, it can lead to rust. Your dealership probably has your car’s exact paint color available in half-ounce bottles. Spot sand the area, then apply the paint with a micro-applicator.
Take a few minutes to refresh your rise during this busy time of year. It’ll make those last-minute trips for forgotten gifts, work parties, and school recitals so much easier.
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