First the Outside

Road grime tends to build up throughout a long winter and that not only affects the appearance, it can cause costly damage. In most cases, warm water and mild soap will do the trick as well as add years to your paint. Start on the roof and work your way down and around the car, allowing stubborn dirt at the bottom to soak. Pay particular attention to door undersides and window seals and make sure that all the soap is fully rinsed off before drying the car. For especially stubborn grime, you may need to use a power sprayer or go to a professional car wash.

Any minor areas of corrosion, chips or paint damage should be dealt with immediately because, if left unattended, they could result in significant damage. Most dealers sell small patch and paint repair kits that will match your model. A little touch-up here and there should be all you need for these. The goal is to stop the corrosion so catch them now and save yourself heartache and dollars later. Areas of extensive corrosion are best left to the experts though.

Car polish not only gives you that shiny car look, it also offers some critical paint protection. Use a good quality polish and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This takes elbow grease but the benefits are worth it.

Now look Inside

After winter rain, snow and slush, the inside of your car may never have had a chance to dry out properly. Wet shoes and clothes keep bringing moisture in but there’s not been the heat or ventilation to dry it out. One of the quickest ways to reduce the value of your car in resale is to let the interior go to pieces. Aside from making your car less enjoyable for your own use, stained upholstery, rotting and unpleasant smelling carpets, and general shabbiness can seriously reduce a car’s value.

Before vacuuming the carpets, be sure to remove loose mats and clean them separately. Shampoo them if necessary, but avoid using too much water and make sure the carpets are fully dried. Ideally choose a warm sunny day when doors and windows can be left open. A hair dryer can come in handy as it accelerates the drying process.

Consistently wet patches under the carpets are a sure sign of water penetration. The cause should be investigated thoroughly because, over time, this could lead to serious corrosion. The point of water entry can be difficult to locate and will normally need expert attention.

Although there is a wide range of cleaners available for upholstery, trim and roof linings, make sure that a suitable one is used for each material. Do a quick test on a small patch to avoid any mistakes and follow instructions carefully. Painted metal surfaces require only clean water and a chamois leather.

Any glass cleaner will do the job on your windows and have you smiling again with your new ability to see through them. Many people don’t take the time to clean the interior of windshields because they are awkward to reach but the results are more than worth it.

And Finally the Underside

Although it is hidden and often forgotten, the underside of a car takes the brunt of the winter weather. Mud, soaked with road salt, often builds up and, if left alone, causes damaging corrosion over time.

The solution is simple. Hose down the entire underside of the car, paying particular attention to the front and rear wheel arch areas. When dry, inspect for any signs of damage to the underbody sealing compound. It’s probably best to get a repair shop to attend to any damage unless you just love crawling under your car. If the vehicle is under a long-term corrosion warranty, keep in mind that the terms might specify how such repairs should be carried out so check out the fine print first.

It takes time to maintain your car, but as with any significant asset, the benefits far outweigh the cost in both time and money. Make it a family tradition (your teenagers will love this concept) to give your family vehicles a thorough spring cleaning when you see the daffodils pop up. It might require a Saturday morning, but everyone gets to enjoy the results.