Ten tips for car spring

2020-03-18T07:25:34.368Z

Spring is here! Time to spoil your car a bit. The winter was mild, but the dirt has to go so that the sun can be reflected in the paint. Here are ten tips for the spring cure.

The blue sky and sunshine are very tempting, but drivers should be tempted to get their summer tires out of their cellars. The formula from October to Easter for the winter tire change ritual makes sense for experts. Unexpectedly, it can get really cold and smooth at this time of year. Those who are on the road in snow, ice or mud without winter tires and are caught must expect a point in Flensburg and a fine of 60 euros. If there is a risk to traffic, 80 euros are due.

Nevertheless, the beautiful weather is perfect to treat your car to a spring cure. Here are ten tips:

1. Wash away the winter dirt properly

Against the dirt and salt of winter, a passage in the car wash with front and underbody washing is recommended. Take care of the problem areas beforehand: Clean the door entrances by hand with a mild detergent, plenty of water and a soft sponge. Spray the engine with a strong jet.

Caution when using a steam jet! Always keep a spraying distance of at least 30 centimeters so that the electrical and electronic components are not damaged.

2. Remove the traces of winter

After cleaning the exterior, we recommend checking the paint and plastics. Watch out for rust and remove with acid-free rust remover. Paint polishes remove fine scratches particularly efficiently with machine support. In worse cases, scratch polishes help. Inexperienced laymen should, however, be shown exactly how to use polishing machines, otherwise there is more damage than benefit.

3. Take care of the car, do not torture it

Hand washing is the gentle alternative to the car wash. But only if it is done consistently with plenty of water, clean sponges or brushes and with gentle detergent. Anyone who goes half-heartedly only scratches the car paint. Work with little pressure from top to bottom and rinse the sponge and brush at short intervals. Dry the vehicle with a chamois.

Avoid scratching household sponges and never clean with aggressive household cleaners. So-called “home remedies” are mostly unsuitable because they are usually not tested for their material compatibility with cars.

4. Treat the rims with care

When it comes to spring washing, aluminum rims deserve special attention. Spray with acid-free rim cleaner so that the stubborn brake dust can really be removed. Rework if necessary. A special, heat-resistant rim seal at the end makes the next cleaning easier. Normal waxes for car paint are unsuitable for rim protection due to temperature reasons.

5. Provide perspective

Thoroughly clean the panes inside and out. Over time, a fine film of dirt forms on the inside of car windows, which can lead to extreme visibility impairment in adverse backlight conditions, such as in bright sunshine or at night in the headlight cone of oncoming vehicles.

6. Keep the rubbers supple

Conscientious car care after winter also includes plastic and rubber parts. Treat plastic outdoors with deep care products or plastic gel.

7. Clean the interior properly

Moist and dirty cushions are a breeding ground for harmful fungi and bacteria. Because of this, first remove the dirt and also clean the floor mats. Microfiber cloths are suitable for almost all surfaces such as dashboards or cladding, whereby pure water is often sufficient as a solvent. In more stubborn cases, plastic care products are used (as long as the dashboard is not covered with expensive real leather!).
Be careful when cleaning the headlining. Excessive rubbing can destroy the structure or lead to bright spots. Suitable upholstery or leather cleaners should be used for the seats.

8. Clear out the trunk

Snow chains, ski stands and winter window cleaners now belong in the basement. Wipe out and dry the spare wheel well so that no moisture collects there. On the occasion, check the air pressure of the spare wheel (if available).

9. Renew the washer fluid

After the frost period, you should completely switch to summer window cleaner. Unrestricted cleaning performance against stubborn insect dirt is required in summer.

10. Do not change the tires too early

When changing from winter to summer bikes, pay attention to the tread depth. At least 1.6 mm are prescribed by law and can be read on the wear indicators. However, for reasons of traffic safety, the GTÜ experts recommend a residual tread depth of at least 3 millimeters for summer tires. But don't mount the summer tires too early. Night frost can be expected until the ice saints in mid-May.