The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Vehicle

The warm weather is on its way and it is time to clean the winter grime from your vehicle. The snow tires come off and the weather allows for driving with the windows down, but that doesn’t mean you should slack on your vehicle maintenance. There may be some vehicle spring cleaning tips on this list that you haven’t considered.
Here are our recommended vehicle spring cleaning tasks:

1. Refill Fluids

Your vehicle’s fluids are what keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Maintaining the fluids in your vehicle helps prevent mechanical breakdown and keeps your vehicle operating at peak condition. Be sure to check these fluids:

Coolant/Antifreeze

Depending on the temperature outside, this fluid acts as either a coolant or antifreeze. Simply put, this fluid is a very important temperature regulator for your vehicle’s engine. Check the levels of your coolant throughout the hot spring and summer months to prevent overheating.

Engine Oil

Your vehicle’s engine consists of many small moving parts that must be in sync for proper functioning. Engine oil ensures that the movement is smooth and keeps your engine cool. One of the best things you can do for your vehicle is to change the engine oil regularly with high-quality oil.

Differential Fluid

Also known as “gear oil,” differential fluid acts as a lubricant for the rear or front axle. Without differential fluid, steering would become very difficult.

Power Steering Fluid

This fluid allows power steering to be possible. If you have ever driven a vehicle without power steering, you immediately understand the importance of power steering fluid.

Washer Fluid

Along with BBQs and swimming, spring and summer months also bring bugs and pollen. Running out of washer fluid isn’t an option. Be sure to top off this fluid often.

Brake Fluid

The winter months can take a toll on your vehicle’s brakes. When you press on the brake pedal, the brake fluid allows that force to be transferred to the brake system. Brake fluid is a critical safety fluid and must be checked regularly.

AC Refrigerant

There will undoubtedly be times this upcoming summer when you will be thankful that you serviced your air conditioning. The AC refrigerant is the fluid that allows cold air to pump into your vehicle.

Transmission Fluid

We don’t realize how important smooth gear shifting is until we lose it. Your transmission fluid keeps those transmission gears lubricated so that shifting is a breeze all summer long.

2. Service the Air Conditioning

If your vehicle’s AC smells a bit musty after the winter months, it is time to schedule an air conditioning service. While your vehicle is closed up during the cold, winter months, mold and other allergens can grow causing an odor and possibly some health issues. Ask your local dealership to use an AC Odor Treatment to cleanse the AC system. It is recommended that all cabin filters be changed as well.

3. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades

Snow and ice can damage your wiper blades, rendering them inadequate for spring and summer rain. Pay attention to streaking, squeaking, or skipping. These are indicators that your wiper blades need to be replaced.

4. Disinfect the Interior

Driving a clean, fresh vehicle has always been important, but in light of COVID-19, it is more important than ever. Rely on your local dealership to detail and sanitize the interior of your vehicle to include:

Removing clutter | Wiping all surfaces | Vacuuming floor mats and trunk space | Cleaning glass

Several EPA approved disinfecting products are now available and are recommended for vehicle cabins to reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria.

5. Wash the Exterior

Winter grime including snow, slush, sand, and salt can cause problems on the undercarriage of your vehicle. Grime that is allowed to remain on painted surfaces can also cause damage. At the end of winter, your vehicle deserves a sudsy cleaning to get ready for spring.

Depending on your vehicle, you may require additional “spring cleaning” services. Consult with your service advisor about these spring cleaning items and any other recommendations to keep your vehicle at tip-top shape.