43016799_SSpring into action and start checking items off your cleaning and decluttering to-do list. The cars in your life need some spring cleaning too!

After all that winter driving, the snow, slush, and ice can leave dirt, grime and salt from the roads. These signs of winter can hang around on your car into spring if you’re not diligent. When this happens, it can harm the paint and even cause rust over time.

So get your car to the car wash. Be sure and pay close attention to the lower area and underneath of your car to defeat that salty gunk left over from winter. Waxing is an excellent way to protect and preserve the car’s finish. You can have the car wash do this or spend the time waxing the car yourself. Whichever you prefer.

Take advantage of a nice day to clean out the interior as well. Be sure you have a trash bag for everything lurking in the nooks and crannies. Then vacuum, dust, and wipe down all surfaces with a cleaner.

Tire pressure is another area of your car that you should be checking. The changes with temperature can change the pressure. If the air in your tires is off from the manufacturer’s specs, it can decrease your fuel economy. Besides, tires with pressure too high or low can make it unsafe to drive.

Winter can also be cruel to your windshield wipers. They get used a lot in bad weather and the rubber parts can dry up and crack. Clean the blades and replace them if necessary. If you get lots of spring showers, cracked wiper blades are not going to cut it.

Spring is the season of renewal and a super opportunity to give your car a new lease on life. Cleaning and maintaining it isn’t just a cosmetic thing, it can transport you and your passengers safely into the summer.