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Spring Cleaning Your Vehicle: Ultimate Car Cleaning Guide
With spring in the air, it's time to start freshening up your surroundings, including your vehicle. Cleaning your car has more to do with maintenance than you think–take it from us! It can be time-consuming, but cleaning your car is definitely worth it.
Keeping your vehicle's exterior and interior clean can help your vehicle run better, especially if you're always driving on gravel or dirt roads. The air filters will thank you for cleaning off the dust and debris from your vehicle, and unloading heavy items you don't need will help your suspension a ton (pun intended!).
Whether you're a car enthusiast or want to keep your car looking good, regular cleaning and maintenance can help preserve your vehicle's appearance and prevent damage. This article will review tips and tricks for keeping your vehicle clean and in good condition.
Keep The Exterior Clean
Regular washing and waxing can help protect your vehicle's paint job and prevent rust and corrosion. Additionally, getting dirt and debris off your vehicle takes energy off your air filters.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that damage the paint or trim. Use a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth to wash your car. After washing, apply a coat of wax to help protect the paint and add shine.
Is it worth it to get a car wash membership? This depends significantly on your daily travels. If you're constantly driving down old dirt roads, it may be. However, if you only wash your vehicle occasionally on a blue moon, doing it the old-fashioned way will save you money.
Clean The Interior
Regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery can help keep your vehicle's interior clean and debris-free. Some have car vacuums that they keep in their vehicle to quickly fix any spills–I'd highly suggest this route if you have children!
Use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces. You can also buy brushes and tools specific to vehicles, as they can help get in all of the crevices a rag won't. I love the kind that looks and feels like silly putty–all you have to do is slap it onto a dirty surface, and it'll stick to any dirt.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the interior. Suppose your car needs a heavy-duty wash that requires chemicals or abrasive tools. In that case, I suggest going to a professional rather than trying a DIY version.
Use a leather conditioner to keep leather seats soft and prevent cracking. Make sure to research which type is best for your car!
Organize Your Car
Keeping your car organized can help prevent clutter and make it easier to find what you need, especially if you have a busy life. This also is a safety thing–you don’t want any rogue baseballs, water bottles, or toys sliding under the petals while you’re driving.
If you need to keep changes of clothes, sports equipment, or hiking supplies in your car, you should have a system for it. Otherwise, you risk overloading your vehicle.
Use a trunk organizer to keep your tools, emergency supplies, and other items in the order. Especially if you plan on going out of town or camping!
Keep a small garbage bag in the car to dispose of trash and prevent litter. This is such an easy way to keep your vehicle tidy!
Protect the Upholstery
Protecting the upholstery can help prevent stains and damage from spills and other accidents. Use seat covers and floor mats to protect the interior from dirt and wear. If you have pets, use a pet seat cover to prevent scratches and hair from getting on the upholstery.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent damage. Change the oil and oil filter regularly, and have the brakes, tires, and other systems inspected periodically. Keep your vehicle's fluids topped off and have any necessary repairs done promptly.
Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh
A pleasant scent can make your car feel more inviting and comfortable. Use an air freshener or scented spray to keep your car smelling fresh. Choose a scent you enjoy but avoid using strong, overwhelming fragrances.
Need More Support? Come See Us At Brown Motor Works!
In conclusion, keeping your vehicle clean and well-maintained can help preserve its appearance and prevent damage. With these tips, you can easily keep your car looking and smelling great, both inside and out. Happy spring cleaning!
For your BMW or other vehicles, come see us at Brown Motor Works Northeast in Columbia. Brown Motor Works Northeast is located at 520 Clemson Rd., Columbia, SC 29229, but you can also schedule an appointment online. And don't forget to Like us on Facebook for news and updates. We specialize in BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Mini Coopers, so you can feel confident your vehicle is in good hands with our highly skilled technicians.