When people think of spring cleaning, they don’t usually consider their vehicles. However, giving your Mazda or another car a good wash, inside and out, is important, especially if you live in an area that was inundated with snow this winter. When you drive in snowy conditions, it is likely that your automobile has accumulated salt in locations underneath the body and in the wheel wells. Salt left in these areas or in any other places on your car can cause corrosion. Erosion caused by de-icing products can damage the exhaust and muffler system, coil springs, and the car frame. A good spring cleaning of your auto will fend off the corrosive qualities of salt and other de-icers as well as give your vehicle that new-car feel. Here are a few tips from your Norfolk Mazda dealer:
Waxing Protects Your Car:
Following a good wash job, you should apply wax as a final finish to your vehicle’s exterior. Wax not only adds shine and curb appeal, it protects your paint job. Flying debris, accumulating contaminates, and UV rays all contribute to breaking down and/or chipping away at your exterior paint. Wax is your first line of defense against all of these assaults. According to Consumer Reports, liquid waxes are the best choice above spray and paste products. For the best protection, Consumer Reports advises reapplying within five weeks of each application.
Interior Cleaning Averts Rusting:
Remove any trash, and give the interior of your vehicle a good vacuuming and scrubbing. Popular Mechanics advises that “being thorough with the carpet is important, as it can act like a filthy, salty, wet rag that accelerates rusting. When you’re done, pull the drain plugs under the floor, and let things air out for a few days.”
Everyone deals with tough stains from time to time. For those really difficult areas, steam cleaning does wonders. Most detail services can help you out with this type of cleaning. For leather, be sure to use a leather cleaner. When cleaning your windows, spray the glass cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the window – this helps eliminate streaking.
Change Those Wiper Blades:
Winter is tough on windshield wipers. In preparation for those inevitable spring showers, it is a good idea to replace your vehicle’s wiper blades. You want to have the best visibility possible to ensure maximum safety for you and your family. If your current windshield wiper blades leave streaks or do not remove water efficiently, it’s probably time for a change. Consumer Reports offers this advice: “Our tests have found that most blades are ready for replacement after just six months, but you can try extending their service life by wiping them with a cloth and glass cleaner before removing them.”
A Few More Maintenance Items for Spring:
Check your tires, and be sure to switch out your winter tires to avoid excess wear. Inspect your ventilation system, or have a mechanic or detailing company perform regular maintenance, and make certain to change the cabin’s air filter regularly. Finally, ensure all fluids are topped off and/or changed per a maintenance schedule.
Cavalier Mazda wishes you and your family a happy spring. The following are five locations where you can take your vehicle for a spring cleaning in Norfolk, VA:
- Reliable Auto Detailing
- Divine Touch
- SSS Express Car Wash
- Pro Detailing
- Xtreme Detailing
Be sure to stop by and check out our selection of new and used Mazdas, or just stop in to say hello! The staff at Cavalier Mazda is ready to help you. We are conveniently located at:
1552 S Military Hwy
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Call us today at 888-854-7370.
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