MOTORING NEWS - Spring has sprung - and the Automobile Association (AA) reckons it's time to get your house in order! But instead of focusing on spring cleaning only your home, the warmer weather also presents you with the perfect opportunity excuse to give your car some attention too.
Here's some suggestions on how to give your car some TLC after a long winter.
Wash off winter
Cleaning your car doesn't just make it look better, it also extends the life of your paintwork as long as you use the correct shampoo. If you live in an area with a wet winter, such as Here in the southern Cape, dirt like mud or the salt from sea spray can cause rust and corrosion.
Top tip: wax your car after you have washed it. Use a good, long-lasting wax to protect the car's paintwork throughout the summer - especially if your car stands in the sun a lot.
Less mess, less stress
From receipts to take away containers, we all know how easy it is to let clutter accumulate in the car. But did you know that it also affects your mental well-being? A messy car can make you more stressed - especially when you're running late for work in the morning or if you're sitting in traffic after a bad day at the office.
Freshen up the interior
Cars are a breeding ground for bacteria, carried into your car on your hands, clothes, shoes or sports equipment. Keeping the dashboard, trim and upholstery clean and vacuumed is visually appealing and can also help you and your family to stay healthy.
Give a messy boot the boot
From coats and scarves to kit bags, plenty of useless stuff tends to pile up in a vehicle's boot over the winter months.
Now's the time to clean the boot by collecting all the goodies, recycling all the rubbish and vacuuming out all the dust and dirt. Don't forget to shake out your carpet liner!
Pop the hood
Another place which needs a good spring clean - your engine can actually be harmed by trapped dirt and debris. A clean engine will extend the life of your vehicle as well as help to prevent mechanical issues. If you're not comfortable cleaning the engine, take your car to a petrol station.
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