Spring Cleaning for the Car

Spring cleaning often brings to mind giving our homes or our wardrobes an over-haul. But considering that we use our vehicles practically every day, our cars also need attention. April is National Car Care Month, so this post contains checklists for car cleaning, glove compartment, and trunk essentials.

Here’s a checklist of how to spring clean the car.

• Wash the exterior, the undercarriage, and the wheel wells of the car
• Clean the interior by removing trash, vacuum seats, and floor mats. Clean windows with ammonia-free cleaner.
• Change wiper blades (recommended every six months)
• Check tires for wear and tire pressure
• Inspect the ventilation system, including the cabin’s air filter
• Check and replace fluids

It’s especially important to know which cleaners and rags to use on the interior components.

• Alcohol solutions that contain at least 70% alcohol
• Soap and water
• Microfiber cloths

AVOID: BLEACH, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, AND AMMONIA-BASED CLEANERS.

Once you have cleaned the car, it’s time to put back the essentials.

GLOVE COMPARTMENT ESSENTIALS:

• Car Manual and Maintenance Schedule
• Proof of Insurance
• Registration (without address)
• Pen and Paper
• Emergency Contacts
• DPA’s (Durable Power of Attorney)
• Medical Information
• Flashlight
• Window Punch and Seatbelt Cutter
• Whistle

GLOVE COMPARTMENT CONVENIENCES:

• Flashlight
• Hand Sanitizer
• Napkins, Wet Wipes, Tissues
• Trash Bags
• Snacks
• Lint Roller

TRUNK ESSENTIALS:

• Jumper Cables
• Air Compressor and Tire Sealer
• Duct Tape
• To-Go Bag (72-Hour Kit)
• Reflective Triangles and Flares
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Multi-Tool or Tool Kit (screwdriver, hammer, wrench, and pliers)
• Extra Cash ($40 minimum)
• Old Cell Phone and Charger
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Jack
• Spare Tire
• Lug Wrench
• Wheel Chocks
• Fire Extinguisher
• Rags
• Gallon of Antifreeze
• Winter Readiness Kit (Shovel, Blanket, Gloves, Ice Scraper, Sand or Salt)

TRUNK CONVENIENCES:

• Trunk organizer.
• Cooler.

Spring cleaning for the car every April will bring many safety and health benefits. Remember, National Car Care Month comes every October too. Safe driving.