Spring Car Cleaning and Car Care Checklist

 in Member Benefits (updated on )

While we’ve all had some extra time at home to tidy up our houses and yards, we can’t forget about our vehicles! It feels like forever since we’ve been out and about on the road, and we’ve really missed our cars. Although we aren’t driving nearly as often right now, we will be soon, and that’s why it’s important to make sure our cars are clean and running properly.

Make sure your car is in prime condition for safe and more frequent use by following our interior and exterior Spring Cleaning Car Care Checklist:

Cleaning the Interior

  1. Remove Trash: Cars fill up quickly when you have kids and are always on the go: receipts, water bottles, wrappers, etc. Make sure the first thing you do is pick up all the trash on the inside and place a bag that can serve as a trash receptacle for the next time you throw something away.
  2. Shake Out Mats: Remove all trash or debris from the floor mats of your car. Then take all of the mats out of your car and shake them out in an open area before replacing them in the car. To make cleaning easier in the future, look into purchasing heavy-duty rubber mats.
  3. Clean Vents and Ducts: The best way to do this is with pressurized air, but if you don’t have it you can use a dusting cloth or wet wipes.
  4. Vacuum: Try and vacuum every part of your vehicle, including floorboards, seats, under the seats, trunk, cup holders, and any other space the vacuum will fit. Don’t forget to vacuum the floor mats before putting them back in your car as well.
  5. Organize: You may have certain items that you keep in your car at all times, like blankets, umbrellas, chairs, sports equipment, reusable shopping bags, coolers, etc. Take them out and make sure each item is clean and in working order. Organize items when you place them back in your car. Using storage bins can help with this.
  6. Wipe Down: Use awet wipe or dusting cloth to clean and wipe down your dash, front console, and anywhere else dirt can hide. And then if you would like to go an extra step, you can detail your dash by using a microfiber cloth and some polish or dashboard wipes to make your steering wheel and dash shine.
  7. Change Air Freshener: After your car has been cleaned from top to bottom, change out your air freshener to a nice spring scent and you are good to go!

Now that your car is clean on the inside, it’s time to make sure everything is in good order on the outside.

Cleaning & Checking the Exterior:

  1. Get an Oil Change: You should change your oil about every 5,000 miles depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle and your own personal driving habits. This will help keep your engine clean and running properly.
  2. Check the Air Filter: Air filters should be changed at least every 15,000 miles. Air filters are inexpensive and will help increase your gas mileage, reduce emissions, and allow more air to flow to your engine, which helps it run smoothly and prolong its life.
  3. Check Your Tires: If a car has been sitting for long periods of time, especially in colder weather, pressure can slowly leak out of your tires. It’s important to check your air pressure and make sure you have the right amount. While you are checking the pressure, look at the tread on your tires. If it’s low, consider getting new tires altogether.
  4. Buy New Wipers: Spring is the rainy season for most of the US, and when you are driving in the middle of a spring storm, it’s important that your windshield wipers do their job. You should replace them once a year, and spring is the perfect time.
  5. Go Through the Car Wash: Dust, mud, pollen, bugs, and rain residue are all commonly found on cars in the spring. Make your car look shiny and new by taking it through the car wash and getting a polish—or give it your own “bath” at home! Pro tip: don’t forget the tires!

Drive safely!

California Casualty has been serving the needs of educators since 1951 and is the only auto and home insurance company to earn the trust and endorsement of the National Education Association (NEA).  Learn how to save on your insurance by getting a quote at www.neamb.com/autohome, or by calling 1.800.800.9410.