Spring Car Care Tips

Even though this part of Michigan got hit with 4 inches of snow last week, here at LotPro.com we would like to think that spring is just around the corner. So here are some tips to make your spring driving more enjoyable…

On the inside

Let’s start with your vehicle’s interior.

1. Gather up all the accumulated litter and throw it out. This includes old pop cans, fast food containers, tissue and that 3-year-old road map of Georgia that you picked up on your way to Florida that you just can’t seem to part with.
2. Vacuum out the interior paying close attention to the areas under the seats and under the floor mats. Vacuum out the trunk as well.
3. Speaking of floor mats, if you use 2 sets, take out the rubber winter set and replace with the carpeted summer version.
4. If there is any salt residue on any of the carpeting, use a carpet shampoo to remove it. Salt residue can cause premature rusting of metal surfaces under the carpet.
5. Wipe all plastic surfaces with a damp cloth or chamois, rinsing the cloth often.
6. Clean the inside of the windows with a chamois, rinsing the cloth often.

On the outside

Onward and outward. Find a nice, shady spot to wash your car. Never wash a car in direct sunlight.

1. Start washing your car by hosing down all exterior surfaces. Wash your car using a pail mixed with car wash soap and water, applying it with a cotton or microfiber car mitt. Use a car washing liquid – not dish soap. Dish soap can damage your car’s finish.
2. Do small areas at a time – the roof & windows, for example, then rinse off. Make sure that you spray in the wheel wells as well as under the car to flush out all the accumulated salt.
3. Pay particular attention to bright surfaces and alloy wheels. Use a separate sponge or cloth to clean the wheels and, if necessary, buy a safe wheel cleaner to remove dirt, grit and brake dust.
4. Be careful in removing road tar from around the wheel openings. Don’t rub too hard and use a bug & tar remover, sparingly, if necessary.
5. Use a real or artificial chamois to dry all surfaces. Clean all door jambs as well as trunk and hood openings. Rinse the chamois often to avoid rubbing dirt particles into the paint finish.
6. Once the car is dry, apply a coat of wax to all painted surfaces. Apply the wax in 1-2 square feet areas, let it dry, and then polish it. Repeat the process until finished.

Under the hood

Many of these things will have to be done by a mechanic, but do as much as you can, yourself.

1. With the hood open (duh!), inspect all belts and hoses for cracks and wear. Have the worn ones replaced.
2. Check all fluid levels – coolant, brake fluid and engine and transmission oil. If you need an oil change, make sure summer weight oil is used if your vehicle requires it. The next time you have your oil changed, have them check the coolant. Old coolant can boil off in the summer.
3. Check your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it.

Tires

Take a deep breath. We’re almost done.

1. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you drive the car).
2. Inspect the tires for cuts, wear and sidewall damage. This would also be a good time to have them rotated.
3. If you use winter tires, swap them for your summer tires (in Michigan, this can safely be done in June).
4. Visually inspect your brake pads and rotors. Test drive your car and listen for any brake noise.

Check your owners manual

For additional information on any required inspections, refer to your owners manual. From all of us at LotPro.com, have a great spring!