Spring is finally here. So, you might be thinking about removing your car from storage or getting it ready for the show season. As a professional detailer based on the Hampshire and West Sussex border I’m always keen to share my knowledge. This week, I thought it might be a good idea to write an article on how to spring clean your car and prepare it for the driving season.
Spring Cleaning Your Car
First off, always complete a full two bucket wash, when spring cleaning your car. This should include jacking up your car, removing the wheels and getting rid of all the salt and mud that tends to build up over the winter months under the wheel arches. Use a quality APC (All Purpose Cleaner) like Bilt Hamber Surfex HD and a variety of different brushes so you can get into all the tight areas. You’ll also want to give the brake callipers a good clean. Use a wheel cleaner that also dissolves iron particulates that are present in brake dust. As a professional detailer I recommend, Auto Curators Flawless Wheel Cleaner, it’s a fantastic product to use. Also, don’t forget to give the wheels a thorough clean inside and out with the same wheel cleaner and remove any tar spots as well as leftover glue residue from previously removed wheel weights. It’s important to get this build-up of mud and salt off to prevent corrosion.
Once everything is clean, you can easily inspect the suspension and tires to ensure everything is as it should be. Also, be sure to give the door, and boot shuts a thorough clean as dirt can accumulate in these areas which can speed up corrosion.
Inspecting Your Paintwork
Give the body a thorough wash as well. Before you dry it, have a quick feel of the paint to see if it feels rough. If it does, then it’s going to need to be decontaminated using Iron and Fallout remover and a clay bar. You’ll also want to check for any tar spots and remove those as well.
Protection Is Key
Now that the car is clean and free of contaminants, it’s time to consider what protection you want to use for the paint and various other surfaces. If your vehicle is already ceramic coated, then you’re good to go. However, if you want a bit more shine, you can use a quick maintenance coating like Kamikaze Collection Overcoat. This will add a touch more gloss and make the paint pop in the sunshine.
An Inside Job
Lastly, you’ll want to give the interior a quick once over, vacuum it out and clean the glass. Wipe the surfaces down with an appropriate cleaner like Auto Curators Gentle Interior Cleanser.
While spring cleaning your car sounds like a lot of work, it’s a good idea to carry out a thorough clean just before, and just after winter to ensure your car stays looking its best. Of course, if you don’t have the tools or time to do this then drop us an email or give us a call, and I can take care of it for you. I’m a professional car detailer based on the Hampshire and West Sussex border.
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