Cold-Weather Car Maintenance Guide

Spring has sprung here in Peoria. With it comes the desire to jump in your car, roll down the windows and go for a drive. Perhaps you have noticed that the look of winter is still firmly entrenched on and in your vehicle. Now is the perfect time to let go of winter and get your car ready for the warm weather ahead.

 

Pressure washer

Road salt and dirt can build up in all the tiny crevices of your automobile. The undercarriage is particularly vulnerable because it is hard to reach. If salt is left in this area, it can cause the underbody to rust and corrode. Using a power washer allows you to blast away the debris from the underside of your car as well as other hard to reach locations, including the wheels, door jambs and the areas around the bumpers.

 

Suds up

Use a soft sponge and your favorite car cleaner, or an all-purpose household cleaner to thoroughly clean your car. Work in small sections and rinse thoroughly so that the soap does not dry onto your car and leave spots.

 

Dry

Once your car is washed, give it one more quick rinse and then dry it thoroughly with a soft lint free towel or chamois – this will prevent surface spotting.

 

Windows, mirrors interior

Are you seeing a glare on your windows? Perhaps they need a good cleaning on the inside. Use a streak-free window cleaner and a paper towel or newspaper for the best results.  In addition, take time to make sure your mirrors are clean and remove the dust and debris from your dashboard, instrument panel and other surfaces using a soft towel and interior cleaning product

 

Carpets and upholstery

If you do not use rubber mats in your car during the winter months, your floor mats could probably use a good cleaning. Vacuum the carpeted and upholstered areas of your car thoroughly and then use a steam cleaner to remove any dirt and stains. Leave mats to dry in the sun before putting them back into your car so that they don’t become musty.

 

Wax

A good waxing is the final step to protect the exterior of your car from the elements and give it a spot-free shine.

 

At Turk’s Collision Center we offer a lifetime warranty on all our work. Contact us today for an estimate.