Spring Cleaning: Don’t Forget Your Vehicle

When you think of spring-cleaning, the first thing that comes to mind is probably your home. What about your car?

Automobile owners should thoroughly clean their vehicles at least once a year to maximize performance and longevity. It also helps avoid common problems which could result in an auto accident.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to shake off the winter wear and give your auto a breath of fresh air. Here are a few simple tips to scrap off the tolls of winter and prepare your vehicle for the warmer months.

Wash the vehicle including the underbody. Salt, sand, and other grime can cause corrosion leading to rust problems. Clean your car thoroughly; powerwash the underbody.

Clean the vehicle inside and out. Salt and sand can damage paint. Clean your car and not just surface areas. It is important to scrub the bottom of all doors and window channels to remove grit and grime. A lubricating spray will keep the windows functioning properly. Open the hood and wipe down the engine with a soft cloth and soapy water. Remove any crusty white residue (from corrosion) off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda and water. At minimum, vacuum the interior of the vehicle.

Replace wiper blades. Like smoke detector batteries, wiper blades should be change every spring and fall.

Check tires. It is important to follow the vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Note that cold weather can cause tires to be under-inflated; the onset of warm weather can over-inflate them. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear. Tires should be inspected for tread wear. The lower the tread depth, the less traction; a driver would need greater distance to stop. Uneven tread can also be dangerous. Some vehicles may require a wheel alignment or a tire rotation.

Check brakes. Did you know a thin layer of the brake pad disintegrates every time you apply the brakes? Check pads, shoes, drums, and rotors for wear.

Check fluids. Check windshield wiper fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid making sure all are at proper levels. Change fluids as directed in your owner’s manual.

Check air filter. A dirty air filter can take a toll on the engine. Replacing the filter increases fuel efficiency.

Check Headlamps, Tail Lamps, Turn Signals and Hazard Lights. Inspect and test all lamps, lights, turn signals, and hazard lights to ensure they are aligned and in proper working order to increase safe driving.

Mark Bello has thirty-six years experience as a trial lawyer and fourteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Member of Public Justice, Public Citizen, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.