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Remove winter grime and bring back the spring sparkle to your ride. Salt, snow, ice, and mud can cause damage over time.
Instead of just changing the mats and washing the exterior, consider a more comprehensive approach. Following these steps will ensure your vehicle is spotless and ready for the warmer weather.
1. Begin with a wash
A thorough wash removes winter buildup on your vehicle surfaces. Avoid household cleaners—they can damage painted and metal surfaces. Instead, use a product designed for vehicle surfaces. They are gentle to the surface but effectively remove embedded contaminants–bird droppings, road grime, dust and pollen.
Professional detailers like to use a microfiber towel or microfiber wash mitt. It’s softer on paint than sponges but don’t forget to rinse the car first. This loosens dirt and prevents scratches.
According to Mike Pennington, Meguiar’s training director, washing your car first is the most important step.
- Rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you start washing. Direct application of soapy water can grind salt into your car's finish and scratch the surface.
- Wash from top to bottom to avoid soiling areas you have just cleaned. If you wash the roof last, then it sends all that winter grime across clean lower panels.
- Rinse thoroughly. Remove any lingering foam from crevices such as mirror casings, grilles as well as wheel lugholes and spokes.
- Dry with a microfiber towel to avoid water spots. For best results, use the two-bucket method. One bucket holds clean soapy water, the other for rinsing the mitt. This keeps dirt out of the wash water, reducing the chance of scratches.
2. Deep clean the wheels and tires
Road salt and grime stick to wheels, and a dedicated wheel cleaner breaks it down. Make sure to read the label. Directions on wheel sprays vary and may suggest waiting a few moments before rinsing.
Brake dust can be a stubborn enemy–and one that can damage wheels if left unattended. A wheel cleaner designed for automobiles helps prevent damage to coated or painted wheels while effectively lifting dirt and grime. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub and then rinse thoroughly.
Give your vehicle’s tires some attention, too. A set of lustrous black tires give your vehicle a showroom look.
The browning effect is a natural process in the tire rubber compound to help keep them supple, but it also makes them look dingy. Wash and scrub the tires with a tire brush.
Apply a tire dressing to bring out the natural, rich black of the rubber.
3. Restore the paint’s shine
Even after washing, tiny contaminants can remain embedded in the paint. A clay bar removes them.
Glide the clay over the surface with a lubricant. Feel the difference—it should be smooth. Clay bars remove any previous wax coating, so re-apply a protectant to seal the shine and protect the surface from contaminants.
Choose from traditional carnauba paste or use one of the latest ceramic waxes, which offer long-lasting protection.
4. Glass and mirrors matter
Clean glass improves driving safety and visibility for your family during sightseeing. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner to prevent damage to tinted windows. There are a wide variety of streak-free, window cleaners designed specifically for vehicle glass.
Spray glass cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth rather than glass. Wipe in circular motions and dry with a separate towel.
Wide exterior mirrors and the cabin rearview mirror, too. Inside glass surfaces tend to get a hazy build-up caused by off-gassing caused by materials inside the cabin.
Prepare for April and May rains with a windshield water repellent. It helps prevent beads from forming on your vehicle windshield and improve wiper blade effectiveness.
5. Interior refresh
Salt and dirt collect underneath carpets, in crevices and on floor boards and door jams. Vacuum thoroughly to remove small particles lodged in tight spaces. Use a small brush for vents and gaps such as the opening for the steering column.
Small particles tend to embed themselves within carpet fibers. Vacuum first and then clean with a solution designed for automobile fabric and upholstery including cloth seats.
Grit and grime collect on floor mats, too. Remove rubber mats and wash them with the same solution used for the exterior of the vehicle.
Use a vehicle interior detailer product and microfiber towel for vinyl and rubber surfaces such as dashboard and door panels. Natural leather requires extra care to retain its softness and color. Use leather cleaner and protectant to help reduce damage by the sun’s UV light.
6. Air vents and cabin filters
Interior vents tend to accumulate dust and pollen. You may clean them with a soft brush or canned air.
Open up the hood of your vehicle and take a look at the air intake vent. Is it clogged with leaves and other winter debris? Small twigs, leaves and pollen tend to collect there and can impede air flow into the cabin.
7. Headlights, trim, and metal accents
Give yourself some extra brightness when traveling after sunset this spring and summer.
Cloudy headlights reduce visibility at night and can make even a clean car look aged. Ask your service advisor about headlight restoration or replacement.
Intense spring and summer days can fade plastic trim. Use a cleaner with UV protection to restore the shine and help protect it from further sun damage.
8. The final touch
Once the main detailing tasks are complete, focus on the details that make a difference. Wipe down door jambs to remove accumulated dirt, polish exhaust tips, and use a quick detailer spray for a final layer of gloss. Keeping detailing wipes in the glove box helps maintain cleanliness between deep cleanings.
Spring detailing takes effort, but the results are worth it. A clean car not only looks better but also lasts longer. With the right tools and techniques, you can restore its shine and protect your investment for seasons to come.
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