Spring Cleaning: Don't Forget Your Car!
Nothing says "fresh start" quite like spring does. Maybe it's the blooming trees or the chirping birds, or perhaps it's the sun that seems to be shining just a bit brighter. With this freshness in the air, people often begin spring cleaning, eager for a clean slate to start the new season.
While backyards, closets, and bathrooms tend to get lots of spring cleaning attention, there's something most of us use heavily that often gets overlooked: our vehicles. The average American spends close to an hour driving each day, commuting just over 31 miles. That amounts to 11,498 miles and a whopping 15 days spent behind the wheel annually.
Vehicles take on a lot of wear and tear and tend to become cluttered and disorganized, so it's a great idea to include yours in your spring cleaning tasks. You could bring your car to be washed professionally, but the spring weather's so nice in Baton Rouge, LA, why not do it yourself?
Start inside
Just like you would when cleaning your home, start with decluttering the interior of your vehicle. Lots of things including trash tend to get shoved under or between seats, into the glove compartment, in the door panels, and into the center console (AKA the auto equivalent of a junk drawer). If you have children in car seats, remove those. You never know what you might find under there! Finally, pop the trunk and remove any unwanted items from there.
Be sure to not go too overboard with removing things from the car. Of course you need to have your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance in the car, but it's also a good idea to have the owner's manual, a few napkins, sunglasses, and a phone charger.
Deep clean the interior
Even when we get our cars washed throughout the year, the interior tends to get overlooked. Start by vacuuming thoroughly, getting in between the seats and doors, underneath any removable mats, under seats, and in the seats' nooks and crannies. It's incredible how many crumbs and other things can accumulate there!
Spot clean any stains on the upholstery using a damp towel and a bit of mild dish soap or laundry detergent. Be careful not to use anything too harsh that could potentially damage your car's upholstery.
Next, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe down all hard surfaces: the dashboard, instrument cluster, dials and gauges, door handles, cupholders, and the center console.
Don't forget the glass
Once the interior is thoroughly clean, turn your attention to the mirrors and windows. Be sure to get the inside of all windows also, to remove the built-up grime and fingerprints. Use glass cleaner and a lint-free microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch glass.
This is also an excellent time to replace your windshield wipers. They generally need to be replaced every six months no matter where you live, but especially if you live in an area that gets lots of rain like Baton Rouge. Your local parts and service shop can help you find the right pair.
The finishing touch
Finally, it's time to wash your vehicle's exterior. Many people live in areas with homeowners' association or water restrictions and can't wash their cars themselves. If this is the case — or you simply don't want to — sending it through a professional car wash is simple and will generally do an excellent job.
If you do want to wash your vehicle yourself, use a mild soap and large, soft sponge specifically designated for cars. Other products can be too harsh on car paint and could dull your car's finish. Pay special attention to the tires and wheels, door handles, lights, and your front grill, as these areas are often overlooked. When you're finished, rinse all the soap off well and then dry the car thoroughly with a soft towel. Feel free to apply shine or wax products at this point as well.
A special note on tires
The environmental and temperature changes between seasons can cause tires to contract or expand, so this is a perfect time to check your vehicle's tire pressure. Using the guidelines in your vehicle owner's manual, set the tire pressure appropriately. Tire pressure that is either too low or too high can cause damage to the tires and your vehicle, so take these guidelines seriously. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, bring your car into a local professional service and repair shop instead.
As you're giving your car extra love and attention this spring, don't forget to schedule its routine service appointment as well. It's true what they say: Look good, feel good! Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge has a certified, full-service parts and service department with convenient hours. Whether it's a simple battery test, a replacement part, or a whole new set of tires, Gerry Lane Buick GMC has you covered. Give us a call at (225) 320-2762 or sSchedule your appointment online today.