Don’t Forget About Spring Cleaning Your Car and Garage

I partnered with Jiffy Lube in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

Now that winter has finally passed and spring is showing off its colors, we can all finally look around and smell the flowers. Although if my house is an example of what other’s houses look like then we have some work to do first. After having three kids cooped up in my house for months, my house definitely needs a good cleaning. From cleaning out broken toys to wiping down everything, it seems like every room of my house was put to the test of my three kids.

Spring cleaning though is not just for the inside of a house, there is also the car and the garage. With my family of five tracking in snow and dirt into the car and garage and not really maintaining them because it was too cold outside to be checking anything – they are overdue for a checkup and cleaning. For families who are constantly trekking to one activity to another or planning a summer road trip, cars may be considered a second home. I know I feel like I live in my car right now due to all the various activities and sports my kids are in.

Well Jiffy Lube has put together a few tips on how to best approach the garage and your car this spring season.

Operation Clean: Your Ride

“Hydrate” Your Car for Spring

You aren’t the only one who needs to refuel to prepare for spring – your car does, too! Be sure to check the levels of all vital fluids, including motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid, and top-off, or change fluids, as needed.

Unload the Junk in Your Truck

During the winter, the trunk of your car can serve as a catch-all for winter gear and other random items that never quite make it in the house. All that extra weight can affect how well your vehicle performs on the road and could be costing you more money at the gas pump!

Give Your Tires a Little TLC 

After a long winter of harsh driving conditions, be sure to check the pressure of each of your tires to ensure they’re filled to the proper level. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or the decal found in the doorjamb or glove compartment of your car to find out what level is right for your vehicle. And don’t forget tire tread! An easy way to see if the tread is worn out is the penny trick. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Abe Lincoln’s face showing, but with his head upside down. If you can see all of Abe Lincoln’s head, it’s probably time to replace your tires.

Detail, Detail, Detail!

The winter months can wreak havoc on the cleanliness of your car interior. The change of season is the perfect time to give your car a proper detail, from top to bottom! Whip out the glass cleaner and get your windshield and other windows sparkling again. Use a soft cloth and tiny “tools” (e.g., a toothbrush or cotton swabs) to tackle the steering wheel, dashboard and hard to reach areas, like cup holders and air vents. Remove floor mats for a scrub and give the car floor a thorough vacuum job before replacing them.

Restock Your Car Emergency Kit

Make sure you and your car are prepared for all your warm weather driving adventures – large and small. Your warmer weather car emergency kit should include a flashlight, jumper cables, batteries, electrical tape, a rain poncho, a reflective safety vest, an emergency blanket and a first-aid medical kit.

Operation Clean: The Garage

Purge the Clutter

Garages are often a neglected area of the home. This spring, make a promise to purge. Trash the junk and host a yard sale or donate those garden tools and sports equipment that haven’t seen the light of day in years. Spring cleaning is also a good time to get rid of hazardous materials such as old paint, car batteries and tires. Recycling laws vary considerably based on where you live. For the most accurate information on proper disposal procedures, contact your local department of public works.

Scrub the Deck

Be honest – when was the last time you gave your garage floor a good cleaning? It’s time! After the purge, remove the car and other extraneous items and rent a pressure washer from your local home improvement store. Looking for a DIY alternative? Use concentrated concrete degreaser, a heavy-duty deck brush, your garden hose and some good old-fashioned elbow grease to scrub the lingering winter mess away.

Zone it Out

The garage can be one of the least organized areas of a home. Instead of allowing things to fall where they may, create zones throughout your garage for different storage needs – automotive accessories, yard tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor gear. In order to fit your vehicles comfortably in your garage, consider vertical storage options to optimize space. Hanging bicycles, winter sports equipment and tools that aren’t frequently used on the wall or ceiling of your garage can free up valuable floor space.

To ensure your vehicle is ready to hit the road this summer, visit JiffyLube.com to find a local Jiffy Lube service center. For additional vehicle tips, please visit the Jiffy Lube Twitter and Jiffy Lube Facebook.

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