Winter has gone and spring has arrived, which means it is prime time for spring cleaning. Whether that means going through your closet, doing a deep clean of the house, or organizing documents, there is no doubt that these tasks lift a weight off your shoulders to live in a more clean, organized space. Your car is no exception! This is a great time to rid your vehicle of the salt it has built up from winter, declutter, and clean the interior. Plus, our Jeff Belzer’s Service Department can help tackle some of the more difficult spring cleaning tasks. Let’s get into some tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle is refreshed and ready for spring.
Declutter & Organize
The first step in spring cleaning your vehicle is to declutter and take out unnecessary items from the interior. Remove any trash you may have accumulated and throw it out. Take inventory of winter items such as coats, blankets, gloves, scrapers, and a jump pack. If you would prefer to leave these items in your vehicle for the next season, put them in the trunk in an organizer. Otherwise, place these items in your garage or house to be used next year. Clear out the glove compartment, center console, and door pockets. If you are hauling around unnecessary items in your trunk, take them out. A lighter load will improve fuel efficiency! For the items that you need to keep in your vehicle for work, kids, or any other reason, consider investing in storage bins or organizers. This will keep items neatly stored and easily accessible.
Detailing & Cleaning
Now that you have decluttered and organized the items within your vehicle, it is time to clean! We recommend starting with the exterior and then moving into the interior.
Exterior
Start by washing the exterior using a gentle car wash soap and a microfiber towel. If there is a buildup of salt on your vehicle, take it through the car wash. If this still does not remove all the salt, use water and vinegar to clean those areas. The acid will help break down the salt. After this has been cleared, move onto the tires. Use a tire foam and shine product along with a brush to get all nooks and corners of the rims clean. Don’t forget about cleaning the windows and mirrors. Thoroughly rinse the exterior to ensure you are not left with streaks and dry with a clean microfiber towel. Now let’s move onto the interior!
Interior
The inside of your vehicle is where you spend a lot of your time, so you want to make sure it is clean! To begin, vacuum both the carpet and the seats to remove dust, dirt, crumbs, and rocks. If you have floor mats in your vehicle, remove and power wash them to take care of that caked on dirt and grime. After that, use an upholstery or carpet cleaner to spot-treat stains. Wipe down the dashboard, door panels, center console, and all other surfaces with interior/detailer wipes or spray. Lastly, spray down the windows inside of the vehicle with glass cleaner – you will be surprised how dirty these can get even from inside your car!
Service Department Solutions
Some spring-cleaning tasks may require professional attention, and our service department is here to assist with any needs that may arise. Here is a list of items to check when making your vehicle ready for spring.
1. Wiper Blades
The winter is harsh on your wiper blades due to combatting the snow and ice. Check if they need replacing by looking to see if they leave streaks on your windshield. The rainy spring season is a great time to replace them.
2. Cabin Air Filter
Inspect the cabin air filter to see if it is clogged or dirty. During the winter months, this can happen quicker than other seasons, so it is essential to check if it needs to be replaced. This part filters the air that is going to the engine, so when it gets too dirty, this will not function properly.
3. Tires
If you have winter tires on your vehicle, get these changed out to all-season tires as quickly as possible. Not sure what the difference is? Read our article that breaks the two options down here. Even if you do not switch from winter to all-season, it is important to get your tires rotated so that they wear evenly. Of course, if the tread is too low, you should get them replaced. Another thing to check is alignment. Those pesky potholes always come out of nowhere in the winter months. Make sure your wheels are properly aligned for the season.
4. Air Conditioning
We never think about turning on the AC in winter – it is much too cold for that! However, as the spring season starts, it is a good idea to turn it on just to make sure it is working properly. You don’t want to experience high temperatures and then realize that it does not work!
5. Oil Change
Of course, checking and changing your oil is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle’s health regardless of the season. While you are performing these other checks, make sure you put this on the list.
Our Jeff Belzer’s Service Department in Lakeville, New Prague, and Roseville, Minnesota will work efficiently to ensure your vehicle receives top quality care and attention. We will get your vehicle into tip-top shape to get back on the road to enjoy the warmer weather. Whether you need a quick oil change or a full inspection and refresh, you can trust our service department to deliver exceptional results. Schedule an appointment with us here.
With your vehicle looking and feeling fresh for spring, you are ready to hit the road and enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. Keeping up with routine cleaning and maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle in top notch condition all year long. Remember that the Jeff Belzer’s team is here to help with any aspect of your vehicle maintenance. Enjoy the spring season!
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