Spring is in the air, and it’s time to give your car a refresh! Spring cleaning season is the perfect time to show your vehicle some extra care.
Here are some easy ways to rejuvenate your car:
Wash Your Car
You may find your car getting a yellowish hue due to all of the pollen in the air. Not only does this look unpleasant, but it may also harm your paint. The pollen, along with other debris your car encounters, can cause damage to your paint, causing it to become dull or corroded.
Keeping up with car washes is important. Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic, John Ibbotson, says regular washing can help protect your car’s finish. Consumer Reports also explained that “though newer cars are less susceptible to rust, peeling paint, and faded clearcoat, they still need thorough cleanings to keep grime, salt, and mud from accumulating in places where they can get stuck.”
You can take your car to a local car wash or get outside on a warm day and do it yourself. For an at home DIY car wash, follow these guidelines by Consumer Reports.
Clean or Replace Your Windshield Wipers
It’s important to make sure your windshield wipers are clean and up to do date to ensure you have maximum visibility when driving in inclement weather. A Clean windshield helps to defog and reduce glare from the sun.
Windshield wipers endure a lot of inclement weather and debris over time. They wear down and need to be replaced. According to AAA, windshield wipers need to be replaced every six months. And don’t forget to refill your windshield wiper fluid!
Check out this video from AutoZone to learn how to change your windshield wipers: https://www.autozone.com/videos/v/how-to-replace-windshield-wipers/164875375/
Make Sure Your Car Emergency Kit is Up to Date
Even though the weather is warm, it’s still important to check your emergency kit. In a time of emergency, it is always best to be prepared. You cannot predict your car breaking down or an accident, but having the right tools is a way for you to help yourself in those instances. The National Safety Council says that emergency kits should be updated or replaced every six months. NSC explains the 15 items you need in your car’s emergency kit.
Visit this link: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-supplies-for-car
Car Interior Self-Care Day
Treat your vehicle to an interior detailing day. Clear out all the receipts and junk. You can do a DIY detailing at home, at your local self-wash car wash, or even at your local gas station. Don’t forget your quarters! You can find a local car wash that does detailing if you aren’t in the spring-cleaning mood. A refresh of your interior makes your car feel like an oasis again instead of an anxiety-inducing mess.
Consumer Reports provides expert tips on how to clean your car interior here: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires-car-care/how-to-clean-your-car-interior/
Maintain the Health of Your Car
While keeping up with routine maintenance on your car can be expensive, AAA explains that regular maintenance helps support the longevity of your car, improves performance, and saves money in the long run.
The more attention and care you put into your car, the longer it will last. Let’s take care of our automotive babies so that they can take care of us. Maintenance includes oil changes, tire pressure checks, engine, brakes, transmission checks, and more. The following resource explains what you need to do to keep your car healthy: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/tips-on-how-to-maintain-your-new-car/
