After dealing with the dirty, salty, sludge of winter, how great will it feel to hit the road in a clean and shiny car? A seasonal car cleaning will get your car looking great and provide you with a chance to undo some of winter’s damage. Spring and fall are also a great time to have regular auto services performed such as oil and fluids changes, wheel alignment, and tire rotation.

A seasonal car cleaning should begin with a complete car wash, including underbody. After a winter of driving the bottom of your car will be coated with corrosion causing salt, sand, and grime. Corrosion leads to rust that is extremely damaging your car, so it is essential to clean it from top to bottom. It is a good idea to get the undercarriage power wash at your car wash or spray the car’s bottom with a hose. A thorough rinsing is all you need – special cleaners are not necessary. After washing your car’s exterior, waxing provides it with protection and gives it a beautiful finish.

Cleaning the inside of your vehicle is also beneficial. Wipe down the engine to clear away all the debris that has accumulated under the hood.  Clean any white residue off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water. If corrosion residue accumulates, it may prevent your car from starting, so it is worth taking the time to clean those connections. Cleaning also helps prepare the battery for the stress of warmer temperatures.

Cleaning your tires is important, too, because they can become cracked or dry-rotted.  Scrub your tires with a good quality cleaner and finish up with a protective product. There are a number of options, with some providing a slick finish, others a more matte finish. The main objective is to condition and protect the rubber in your tires, and coat them with a UV protectant.

A truly thorough seasonal car cleaning should include scrubbing the bottoms of doors and cleaning the window channels. Apply a silicone spray that will repel dirt and lubricate the surfaces to keep the windows from sticking. Include a cleaning of the rugs and upholstery to remove all the salt from the car’s inside to prevent damage. Finally, check the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Tune up service and spark plug replacement are important for maintaining the power and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. The engine is made up of many components working together to ensure proper starting and functioning. These components eventually wear out or break down, which may result in lost performance and inefficient fuel economy. Tune up service performed by your auto service professional will help maintain and extend auto life.

Spark plugs are an essential component that is checked during a tune up. Spark plugs initiate the combustion and power needed to move a vehicle. This combustion drives clean gas and air to the vehicle’s cylinders. Eventually fuel injectors become clogged, fuel filters get dirty, and the spark plugs become corroded. When parts are compromised, the engine will not perform as it should, and gas mileage will suffer. During tune up service, your auto professional will inspect your car and follow the recommendation schedule for replacing components.

While your car is in for a tune up, other maintenance services can be done. This may include checking the brakes and clutch, fluid and oil levels, and any other components. Having tune up service and spark plug replacement done on a regular basis will prevent serious and costly problems down the road.

Generally speaking, you should have a tune up every two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. See your owner’s manual for your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.