Spring cleaning advice for your car

Spring has begun, and as the weather begins to warm, many people pull out their spring cleaning checklist. AAA Colorado would like to remind you, it is also the perfect time to for spring cleaning your car.

AAA recommends performing the following maintenance tasks as part of your car's spring cleaning:

Vehicle Interior

Vacuum regularly and lightly shampoo the carpets as needed. Don't forget to clean under the seats where food and other debris can hide. Dirt remaining in the carpet greatly accelerates wear and road salt and De-icer from winter storms are especially damaging.

Add floor mats to protect your vehicle's carpet. Vinyl floor mats are recommended in wet and snowy areas such as Colorado's mountain towns.

Wipe down dusty or soiled surfaces with a damp cloth. Follow with a UV-protective coating on vinyl and rubber surfaces. A solution with a matte or semi-gloss finish is preferred on the dashboard to reduce reflections in the windshield. Be careful not to apply petroleum-based products to plastic surfaces; especially clear ones. If the interior has leather, use products designed for cleaning and maintaining this material.

Clean stains from seats and other interior surfaces promptly to prevent them from becoming set. Use a cleaner recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer to prevent fabric, vinyl or leather damage. Test any non-approved product in an inconspicuous spot before use to make sure it is safe.

With Colorado's yearly 300 plus days of sun, consider having the windows tinted to cut down on infrared rays that cause heat buildup and ultraviolet rays that fade and damage interior materials. Over-darkening windshields and front seat windows can compromise visibility and is frequently illegal, so use appropriate materials.

Use protective flooring and seat covers when transporting pets or items with sharp edges that could gouge upholstery or carpeting.

Vehicle Exterior

Originally posted here:
Spring cleaning advice for your car