Car Spring Cleaning Checklist

If you’ve been out and about on the roads in the recent cold weather, you may find that grit, grime and residue are sticking to your car so much you could write your name in it. 

With a winter’s worth of road dirt on your car, and, dare we mention it, a bit of interior clutter to deal with, you might be thinking about a long-overdue spring clean as we approach the first days of the new season. 

While you can head to your local car wash, or call a mobile valeting service, we truly believe that it’s possible to achieve a great DIY car clean without having to shell out.

Below, we’ve put together an EMG spring cleaning checklist to get your car looking sparkling for spring. 

An overall wash and wax

To get started, we’ll want to get rid of all that road dirt. Remember what your paintwork actually looks like? It’s time to reacquaint yourself with the colour. We recommend starting with a pre-wash to remove the initial layer of grime, before moving on to a dedicated car shampoo, used from top to bottom, and rinsing it off as you go.

We’d then suggest using a car wax of your choice, polishing away until it gleams. 

Get stuck in on the wheels

While it’s probably the main event, your paintwork isn’t the only thing that needs some attention, and dirty wheels can let your car down if they’re not included in the TLC. They’ve borne the brunt of winter driving, and it’s likely that there’ll be a build-up of road residue. 

So, start by carefully scrubbing your alloys, or remove and wash the hubcaps, rinsing as you go. This is also a good opportunity to check in with your tyre pressure and tread depth, to make sure everything’s safe and legal.  

Give your glass a clean

If you want a wash that wows, you can’t rely on the paintwork clean to have worked on your glass too. It’s worth using a window cleaner both inside and out on your windscreen and door windows in order to get them crystal clear, paying attention to the door mirrors and rear view mirrors in the same way to achieve a streak-free finish. 

Do some decluttering

The demands of a busy life mean that it doesn’t take long for bits to build up inside your car - from clutter like wellies and winter shoes to coats, food wrappers, car park tickets and water bottles. Take out what you don’t use, and fill a carrier bag with rubbish (remembering to recycle what you can), to feel an instant difference when you get in your car. Don’t forget those areas we tend to shove rubbish, like door pockets, glove boxes and cup holders too. 

Care for your carpets and coverings  

It’s time to get busy with the vacuum now the clutter has been cleared, and you’ll need to use the crevice tool if possible for this particular job, for all those nooks and crannies where dust and dirt tend to hide. 

Once this is done, you can then use a damp towel to wipe down the seats. If your interior is leather, use a specialist leather cleaner to keep that upholstery looking tip-top too. 

Pay some attention to your air vents

Air vents tend to be a place where dust collects, and if you suffer from allergies in particular, it’s not ideal for those dust particles to be blown into your car every time they’re used. Use the crevice tool on the vacuum, or dust with a brush to remove the worst of it, wiping the rest off with a cloth if necessary. 

Consider an air conditioning service at EMG if you’re keen to prevent further allergens in your car as the weather gets better. 

Dust your dashboard

A dusty centre console will give you away if you miss this on your spring cleaning list, and if you’re anything like us, it’ll bug you when you see it.  Combat this by wiping down hard surfaces within your car with a damp cloth, remembering to be mindful of electrical components and touchscreens. 

Freshen things up

Once you’ve completed the hard work, all you need is a pleasant scent that lasts. If you decide to go for a classic cardboard air freshener, remember that hanging it from your interior mirror can obstruct your view whilst you’re driving, so pop it elsewhere if you can. 

Your monthly maintenance

Ready to get going in your clean set of wheels? Remember to pay attention to the usual maintenance housekeeping too, by checking your washer fluid and oil levels, that all your lights work, and whether your wipers need replacing, so you and your car are ready to enjoy the spring together.

Looking for a fresh start completely? 

If you’re looking beyond a spring clean and were thinking more of a complete upgrade, we can help you there too. Whether you want a sparkly new car, or a fantastic value used model, our EMG branches across East Anglia can help you find the right fit for you. Find your nearest dealership today.