199ride’s Top 8 Car Spring Cleaning Tips
Because the hearty citizens of Wisconsin don’t let winter slow them down, their cars, trucks, and SUVs need a good spring cleaning. After months of snow, wind, and inclement weather, dirt and debris have worked their way into every nook and cranny. Salt spray accumulates on the way home from a successful day of ice fishing, and caked mud coats wheel wells after a trek down back roads in search of that perfect snowmobile trail.
Now, finally, it’s spring! Both you and your vehicle have made it through another winter! Mud- and salt-covered roads recede in the rearview mirror as spring rains cleanse the black asphalt roads turned white by salt dust.
Wisconsin’s wonderful outdoors awaits whether you head north to Hayward, west to the Mississippi, east to Lake Michigan or anywhere in between. As the ice clears and the rivers run free again, many explore nature’s beauty in a canoe or kayak. Fishing enthusiasts arrive for the famous Wolf River walleye run, or they cast for bass along emerging weedlines on area lakes.
8 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car
Why not rid your vehicle of winter’s remnants so you can travel to your spring destinations in style? It's time to give your ride some much-deserved TLC.
1. Wash & Wax
Whether you turn the hose loose on your vehicle at home, or you head to the local car wash, a good washing is the first step in spring cleaning your vehicle.
After washing your car, apply a wax. A good hand-applied wax will repel grit and grime while it protects against bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants. Both pastes and liquids work well, and they typically provide more protection than spray-on, wipe-off formulations.
2. Leaves & Debris
It’s almost inevitable that wind-blown leaves, small branches, and seeds will find their way into the channels designed to drain water away along the perimeter of your hood. Just as you clean your home's gutters, you should also clean these channels for proper drainage. Also, check your engine compartment for leaves and other debris. Sometimes, animals attracted to engine warmth will carry material in there as well.
3. Floor Mats & Carpet
Throughout the winter, your floor mats have been under assault. Slush, salt, and mud combine and harden into a crusty mass. Remove those dirty mats and scrub away the grime. As you vacuum the interior, you may find that the carpet is crying out for a good shampooing, particularly if there are salt deposits.
4. Vents & Crevices
All winter, dirt and dust have worked their way into vents and dashboard crevices. Use a brush with bristles strong enough to remove dirt and debris from these openings, yet soft enough to leave these interior surfaces unharmed. Use an interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the dash. Complete the job with a good dashboard polish, making your used car look like new.
5. Wheels & Tires
Rubber tires and metal rims require different products specially formulated for each. Use a special tire cleaner and a firm brush to separate salt and grime from those sidewalls. Restore that showroom shine to your wheels with a metal cleaner.
6. Underbody Flush
Spring is one time when the extra dollar or two that buys you an underbody flush is more than worth it. Most automatic car washes offer an underbody spray that will wash away all that accumulated mud and salt.
7. Windows & Mirrors
Clean windows and mirrors are a must, so use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towels and glass cleaner to tackle this project inside and out. An ideal time to do this is right after you wash your car.
Condensation and contaminants in the air have a way of combining to form that distracting film on the inside of your windshield. It’s important to get rid of it to restore visibility and to diminish glare from streetlights and oncoming headlights. A good ammonia glass cleaner will usually do the trick. You might be amazed at how much your visibility improves.
Give extra attention to your wipers and the lower part of your windshield where dirt and debris collect. Keep the edge of those wipers free of wax and other substances so you’ll enjoy streak-free visibility the next time it rains.
8. Headlamps & Lights
Visibility is important to you and the other drivers you share the road with. Clean headlights illuminate the road ahead, and all the lights on your vehicle make it more visible to others. Road spray quickly diminishes the intensity of the illumination, so it’s ideal to wipe them down every time you stop for gas.
Warm water and dish soap will usually handle bugs and grime. However, when those headlamps get foggy from oxidation, treat them with a headlight restorer, a baking soda paste, or even toothpaste. Use a soft cloth and a light, swirling motion to avoid abrasion. Apply a coat of wax after you clean the various lamp housings.
To motivate you as you give your vehicle a thorough cleaning, consider that it may provide a bit of a bonus. A little TLC now may translate into extra dollars at trade-in time.
Need a Cure for Cabin Fever?
Of course, too many Wisconsin winters can take a toll on any car or truck. If it's time for an upgrade, or you've had your eye on something better suited for outdoor adventure in the Badger State, take a trip to the nearest 199ride location.
Get a Nicer, Newer™, Worry-Free pre-owned vehicle from any one of our five Wisconsin dealerships. We’re conveniently located in Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, Antigo, and La Crosse. Browse our extensive used car inventory to find the perfect ride for all your upcoming spring and summer adventures!