7 Pro Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car

Now that Old Man Winter has receded, it’s time to consider spring cleaning. And while you may have already begun tackling your home, another space could use some TLC – your vehicle! We asked our team for their best spring-cleaning car care advice and will share it in this post. With their helpful tips, you can give your car the attention it deserves and prepare it for incoming warmer weather.

1. Wash and wax the exterior

Winter weather can leave layers of grime and salt on your car’s exterior. First, wash the body with gentle soap and a soft sponge or cloth to remove this buildup. Next, rinse thoroughly with a hose to get all the soap off. Once your car is clean and dry, apply a coat of wax to protect the paint and give your vehicle a lustrous finish that will gleam in the sunshine of a beautiful spring day.

2. Vacuum the interior

Winter can also bring dirt, salt, and debris into your car’s interior. Start by removing any trash or clutter from the seats and floorboards. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dirt and debris from the seats, carpets, and floor mats. The upholstery attachment helps lift dirt and debris from the fabric’s surface, helping to revive your car’s interior for a cleaner, fresher ride that’s sure to put a “spring” in your step.

3. Clean mats and carpets

Your car’s floor mats can take a beating from snow, ice, and road salt. If they’re removable, take the floor mats out and give them a good shake or use a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on them. You can use a mild detergent and a scrub brush to clean them if they’re particularly dirty or stained, which helps eliminate any stubborn dirt or stains accumulated over the winter months.

For the carpeted areas of your car, use a carpet cleaner to remove any stains or spots that may have developed over time. A good carpet cleaner can help break down tough stains and lift them from the fabric, leaving it springtime fresh. Need help deciding which cleaning products to use inside your car? Ask us for our list of favorites.

4. Wash the windows

Next, clean your car’s windows inside and out. Our favorite trick for a lint- and streak-free sheen is using newspaper with glass cleaner, which helps avoid smudging. The ink in the newspaper helps to polish the glass and prevent any smudging or streaking. Simply crumple up a sheet of newspaper and use it to wipe down the glass after applying the cleaner. With spring in the air, you’ll be ready for the windows-down season ahead!

5. Scrub the tires

After a long winter, your tires can collect dirt, road salt, and brake dust, making them look dull and dirty. To clean your tires for spring and summer, start by rinsing them down with a hose to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, apply a tire cleaner to the tires and use a tire brush to scrub away any dirt and grime. Next, rinse the tires with a hose, then dry them with a microfiber cloth to bring back the shine and give your car the freshly polished look to take on the open road. Are your tires due for an inspection? We do them for free. Learn more about our tire and wheel services.

6. Check the fluids

Checking your car’s fluids and filters during spring cleaning can help optimize its performance and avoid costly repairs. Check the oil and coolant levels and top them off as needed and ensure the coolant level is sufficient for warmer weather. You may also want to check other fluids, such as brake, power steering, and transmission fluids, for correct levels and signs of leakage.

We can check these fluids during a cooling system service or oil change appointment. We also ensure your fuel filters, lube, radiator, and antifreeze are up to par and perform a free 21-point inspection with every oil change service.

7. Replace filters as needed

A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow to your engine, causing your car to run less efficiently and reducing gas mileage. As a result, checking your air filter in the spring helps keep dirt and debris out of your engine, prolonging its life and improving your car’s performance. Additionally, your vehicle may have a fuel and cabin air filter, which may need replacement to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Overall, staying on top of your factory-scheduled maintenance can help ensure that your car’s filters, and everything else, are in tip-top shape.

A clean car isn’t just more aesthetically pleasing and generally more fun to drive – it can also improve your gas mileage. When your car’s exterior is free of grime and dirt, it creates less drag on the road, which can help improve your fuel efficiency. So, give your car some love this spring and enjoy a cleaner, more efficient ride.

We’re a family-owned local auto repair shop in Doylestown, here to provide everything you and your car need for a smooth and happy drive. We’re a one-stop shop for factory-scheduled maintenance, PA-enhanced vehicle inspection, engine diagnostics, brake repair, tire installation, cooling system service, oil change, and everything in between. From basic maintenance to complex repairs, we’re here to help.