As the long winter comes to an end, it’s time to think about spring cleaning. While this may be a perfect time to empty out the attic and clean the carpets, it’s also an appropriate time to spring clean your car. Of course, this kind of cleaning is more than just going to the car wash or getting an oil change.
Consider using those nice spring days to follow this maintenance routine for your ride:
Examine Your Wiper Blade
Winter weather takes a toll on the elements of your vehicle. Your wiper blades degrade during the winter months, which doesn’t help when it comes time for April showers. The good news is that wiper blades are relatively inexpensive. You can probably handle this repair yourself or add this service while you’re taking care of other items on your spring cleaning list.
Check Fluids And Get an Oil Change
Most manufacturers suggest getting an oil change every 3,000 miles or so. For the average driver, this ends up being about four times per year. That means that spring is the perfect time to get that oil change. While you’re checking fluids, make sure you have all of your other fluids checked. It’s easy to top off everything else during your oil change.
Rotate Your Tires
Winter wreaks havoc on your local roads. From snow plows scraping the pavement to expansion issues caused by freezing temperatures, you’re sure to encounter plenty of potholes during your winter drives. These kinds of things can impact your car’s alignment, which leads to tires wearing down faster. Now that the weather is changing, take the time to have your tires rotated, and alignment checked to ensure you get the most life from your tread.
Don’t Forget The Car Wash
Believe it or not, a good car wash actually helps the life of your car. All of the salt and chemicals used to clear out the snow and ice can cake onto your vehicle. These elements can lead to rust and other issues. You can also protect your paint job and cut down on dirt getting into your filters. Take a moment to refresh the inside of your car as well, and check your air and cabin filters while you’re at it.
Deep Clean Your Lights
Just like your car gets dirty during the winter months, your headlights can become hazy. You can actually end up with reduced visibility from dirty headlights. Now is the time to polish your headlights with a specialized cleaner. You can even use baking soda and water with a toothbrush. If your lights still aren’t bright, it might be time to swap them out with something new.
Check For Spring Specials
Your local auto dealer or mechanic can handle all of your spring cleaning needs. You might even find that they have special packages or promotions to knock it all out in one shot. While you can handle some items on your own, it might be worth having a pro give your car a look. The key is not only to get your car ready for driving with the windows down this spring and summer but to ensure that it’s safe and find any issues before they become actual problems.
Check with your local dealership to learn about spring specials that can help with your oil change, tire rotations, or general inspections.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.