How to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

You might still have to scrape a little ice from your windshield for the next month or so (depending on where you live), but for the most part you’re done with winter. So is your automobile. So what steps should you take to make sure your car is ready for the new season?

Here are a few suggestions to consider as the calendar continues to turn away from a dreary winter:

That’s why they call it spring cleaning

It has been a long, rainy, slushy, generally just yucky winter. Chances are you’ve traveled over a salted road or two. That means your car could use a good cleaning, inside and out. Start by collecting all the trash you’ve accumulated. Vacuum the car to get any food crumbs and dirt out. Take out the floor mats and wash them thoroughly. Use window cleaner on your windows, but don’t spray it directly on the glass – you’ll risk streaking. The better way is to spray onto your cloth, then wipe the windows clean.
The outside needs washing, too. Don’t just run it though the carwash at the gas station. Really clean it yourself, paying particular attention to the undercarriage, where you could have an accumulation of salt and chemicals sprayed on roads. Use a specialty carwash soap so you won’t damage your paint job, and use a soft, clean towel to dry the car once you’re finished. Clean the outside of your windows the same way you did the inside.

Wax on, wax off

You’re not trying to learn karate, but you should still wax your car. Why? It will make your paint job last much longer, not to mention shine. Speaking of shining, move out of direct sunlight before you begin. Use whichever kind of wax you prefer: liquid, paste or spray. All have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it comes down to personal preference. Remember, the protection from most wax jobs only lasts about five weeks – maybe less.

Maintenance

Finally, go into the new season with all your vehicle maintenance up to date. Some car owners can do some or all of these items; others want the assurance that a professional has done the job. At a minimum, you should perform the following steps:

• An oil change. You should be doing these every 3,000 miles or so anyway to extend the life of your engine. If you can’t remember your last one, you should schedule one now and get them done every time the seasons change. While you’re at it, make sure all fluids and filters are checked.
• Rotate your tires. This will greatly extend the life of your tires. Have them rotated regularly. While you’re at it, this is a good time to have your brakes examined for wear. Also, you check the air pressure in your tires – the change in temperatures can affect it.
• Check your windshield wipers. Snow and ice can tear up your wipers. Make sure they’re still clearing your windows.
• More things to check. Have an expert examine your belts and hoses and test your battery. Get help from a friend and make sure all your headlights, tail lights and brake lights are working.

Your car is one of your largest investments, so you need to do regular maintenance on it. Spring is a good time to start everything anew, so make sure you’re doing everything possible to get the most out of your vehicle.

Source: AutoInsurance