With spring here, now is an ideal time to check over your vehicle and take stock of what impact the winter months and lockdown-reduced usage may have had.
If your vehicle is normally parked outdoors, it may now be covered in winter’s grime and could even have lichen or small weeds growing in small crevasses that must be removed before the summer sun comes into full force.
Exterior
A $20 wash will only get you so far, but the trick to keeping your vehicle sparkly clean is in the details. If you have the time and the products, you can get that showroom shine back in no time.
Without regular cleaning, conditioning and treatment, your vehicle’s shimmering exterior is prone to fading, cracking and peeling. The paintwork can also be affected by things like UV damage, road grime and bird droppings.
How often a vehicle needs to be cleaned and detailed is dependent upon how often the vehicle is driven, the conditions it’s exposed to and the length of time it spends sitting under the sun. It’s more about getting the most protection on to your vehicle’s surface and creating a ‘barrier’ against things that can harm the paintwork. We recommend using an AA Motoring Premium Car Wash Pack, which sets you up with everything you need to ensure the inside and outside of your car is clean, sparkling & tidy. You can purchase this item online at shop.aa.co.nz.
We recommend to always check what stage of water restrictions are currently in your local area.
Check your headlight lenses, if the lens isn’t a glass one the chances are high that the lens may have a glazed look to about it. A simple application of a light cut and polish should clear the worst of it, you can purchase a cleaning kit or leave it to a professional detailer if required, or the headlight replacement may be required if the lenses don’t recover.
Interior
Unless you park next to a giant dehumidifier, the chances are that some moisture has entered your vehicle over the winter months, especially if you park outdoors.
Portable moisture absorbers like Damp Rid are great; just pop one inside the vehicle for a few days and you’ll be amazed at how much moisture is removed. Alternatively, wait for a hot sunny day, open all the doors and let the sun do its work.
Give the internal surfaces a clean with some automotive wet wipes to get rid of dust and grime than may have accumulated, especially around frequented areas like cup holders. Try to avoid shiny silicones on the dash under the windscreen as they may cause the surface to reflect the sun more than normal. If you’re using a spray, be careful not to smear the inside of the glass.
Did you know that the average Auckland motorist can spend up to 20 working days each year in their vehicle stuck in traffic alone, and that’s not even including driving time?
Check for any empty drink bottles or coffee cups lying around. Vehicles can quickly become cluttered with rubbish, circulars, clothing and who knows what else. Clutter not only diminishes the appeal of your vehicle, but it also creates safety hazards and projectiles in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner suitable for your vehicle, you can use the commercial ones located at most service stations for just a few dollars.
Often the biggest source of clutter can come from items that are only needed temporarily. We’re talking sports equipment, camping gear, and the odd road trip supply. Keep these items in convenient containers and store in accessible areas of your home or garage. The easier these items are to access (load and unload), the more inclined you will be to only bring these along when they’re needed. Removing heavier items will also increase your fuel economy.
For safety purposes, ensure the driver’s area is a clutter-free zone. Nothing should ever be able to fall near the driver’s feet and impede the use of the pedals. If you’re in the habit of kicking off your footwear, make sure they are well under your seat, or better still, pop them behind your seat for easy access later.
Floor mats also need to be considered. If you have more than one, they’re not secured or the correct fit, then the mat can affect the pedal operation which can sometimes hinder the brake or unintentionally press the accelerator pedal.
Clutter in a vehicle is not just a physical nuisance - it can affect your ability to focus. Keeping your vehicle organised not only looks and feels good, but it can increase mental concentration on the road and reduce stress. So, keep the vehicle well organised to create a pleasant, safe driving experience that you and your passengers can enjoy.
Be sure to visit aa.co.nz/shop to view a selection of products perfect for your vehicle’s spring clean!