It’s finally time. The thawing has begun. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been able to put aside our shovels and scrapers (despite a few random arctic attacks) and begin moving forward. Moving toward picnics, vitamin D, and longer sunsets. We are almost there, feeling the heat within our grasps. But, that also means it’s time for spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning is not some colloquial term that appeared from nowhere. Spring cleaning is a necessity for all. Throughout literature (and all forms of art, really), spring has been a time for rejuvenation and life. Therefore, those dirty and cold-avoiding moments in the winter are behind you. The dusty floor mats, salt-coated paint, and white-shaded tires are behind you. It’s time to breathe the fresh air and experience the new life for you and your car.
With the warmer climate, it’s time to jump back outside and clean up that vehicle! Henceforth, here are our spring-specific cleaning tips for your vehicle.
1. Check Your Tires
It seems like not even a moment ago we were discussing the unpleasantries of the winter conditions on your vehicle’s tires. In fact, it was only a few months ago. That’s how quickly the seasons change.
The significant drops in temperature, the abundance of harsh materials and chemicals like snow and sand, and the hazards of objects hidden under the ice can cause a variety of tire issues during the winter. All in all, winter is the worst season for any vehicle. And, due to the nature of the land we live in, Colorado has extremely long winters (you know this), so each frigid season leads to even more wear and tear.
With the weather lightening up, it’s time to inspect those tires! How is the tread? How is the pressure? Your pressure may need to be dropped due to the higher temperatures, so check your instruction manual. If you had winter tires on, now is the time to put them in the garage.
Don’t mess around with your tires. Your driving safety relies too much on their integrity.
Check Your Alignment, Too
If those bumpy winter drives wreaked havoc on your alignment, now is the time to check it out.
Driving across the less-than-smooth winter roads (especially toward the mountains) can knock your car all out of whack. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t driving straight or is pulling, you may need to get your alignment looked at. It’s possible significant ice driving has put you off course.
2. Don’t Forget Your Auto Glass
As an auto glass repair business, we’d be negligent if we didn’t mention the importance of your windshield. Not only does your auto glass allow you to see and face the oncoming elements, but it also has a significant impact on your car’s integrity. Believe it or not, your windshield helps hold up the structure of the vehicle during a collision. It also helps with the correct deployment of airbags. Therefore, it’s more crucial than you’d imagine.
Check out your auto glass. Like tires, winter is the worst for auto glass. Flying debris, brutal cold, and falling ice can be terrible for your auto glass. It’s possible you have a chip or crack that you didn’t even notice. Now would be the time to get it replaced.
Here’s the thing: you may be saving money by putting off repairing a small windshield crack, but it will only make things more expensive later. A small crack can be repaired with resin. If you leave it damaged, it may grow bigger, requiring a windshield replacement. That’s significantly more expensive. Just saying.
Check Your Fluids
If you use windshield wiper fluid to clean your glass on those salty days, it may be time to top it off. Furthermore, pollen and other contaminants are on their way. You simply can’t have spring flowers without spring pollen.
Achoo.
Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is topped off and prepared for the oncoming rain and plant debris.
Check Your Wipers
We’re not here to tell you how important windshield wipers are. If for some reason, you are unaware of the importance of good wiper blades, then you live in a desert, or you’ve never driven a car. So, let’s state the obvious. Windshield wipers are crucial for safe driving.
Unfortunately, that salt buildup from the winter can be awful for your wipers. Henceforth, it’s important to check them out now that snow is out of the forecast. If they are falling apart, the rubber is crumbling, or they simply don’t work as well as they used to, get new ones. It’s crucial for the oncoming onslaught of spring rain.
3. Check That Battery, Too!
Winter can be a rough time for car batteries. Extreme cold can cause corrosion and a lower lifespan. Furthermore, so can hot days. Spring may be coming, but summer is right beyond. It’ll be hot before you know it. Take the time to check your battery before temperatures start to warm up.
Make sure the battery works (especially if you didn’t drive the car during the winter) and check for corrosion. If there is corrosion, clean it off with baking soda and a toothbrush. Check again after a week. If the corrosion comes back, it may be time for a new battery.
Don’t risk the chances of your car not starting during a sweltering day.
4. Wash It Up
Salt and grime from previous snowstorms are detrimental to your car’s paint. Now that snow is leaving the forecast, take the time to detail your vehicle before those beautiful summer days.
Not only that but washing your car is an excellent activity for warmer weather. Enjoy the moderate spring by giving your car some well-needed TLC after the rough winter.
Whether you decide to go for an automatic car wash or break out the soap bucket, your car will thank you. Some type of wash is necessary after the long and grimy winter.
5. The Interior Needs Love
If you thought your exterior was crusty due to winter weather, your interior is probably worse.
We spend a lot of time crushing ice off of our cars in the winter mornings. We spend countless hours in automatic car washes, brushing off the dirt and salt. But what about the inside? What about all the salt and grime on your boots, windshield scraper, and other things you put in your vehicle?
There’s probably a plethora of salt and grime in your vehicle. Now’s the time to vacuum it out, preparing for the fun of the upcoming months.