Winters in Ohio can be tough on vehicles thanks to the road salt, melting snow, and mud. However, a new season offers a chance to refresh and revitalize both the interior and exterior of your car. Here are three reasons you should clean your vehicle before the warmer months, avoiding interior and auto body repairs for spring and summer travels. 

3 Reasons You Should Clean Your Car This Spring

1. You’ll Remove Stains and Clutter

Spring offers the chance to comfortably declutter your vehicle by removing any trash or unneeded items. Vacuuming and shampooing the interior also removes mud, road salt, and dirt that causes your floor mats and upholstery to deteriorate. As an added benefit, cleaning and decluttering your personal spaces, such as your car or bedroom, has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, especially for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

2. It Helps Prevent Major Body Damage

Snow exposes your car to more than water damage. Your vehicle also collects road salt buildup on and beneath its body. When left unattended, your car’s metal components will corrode, including the frame, fenders, exhaust system, wheel wells, and springs. Salt will also make dents or scratches on the exterior body rust quickly.

An auto body repair shop can fix these blemishes before they worsen, and a thorough car wash will remove any salt and dirt. To protect your car’s shine, have it waxed and buffed after a cleaning. 

3. It Improves Safety

Winter leaves your windshield coated with salt and mud residue, which can show streaks and grime, reducing your visibility while driving. Cleaning your windshield, along with mirrors—interior and exterior—and windows, improves your ability to see other drivers, pedestrians, and road hazards. Many mechanics also recommend replacing wipers in the spring, so your blades do not continue to impair your vision or damage the windshield.

Spring also provides the opportunity to clean your car’s lights. Test your turn signals and lighting features to ensure your blinkers, headlights, and tail lights show clearly and are functioning correctly. If there’s a dead bulb or your light covers are smudged, visit your local auto body repair shop for replacements.

If you notice dents, scratches, or rust while cleaning your car, visit Reffitts Garage & Towing Service, Auto Body Repair, LLC in Hamilton, OH. For over 40 years, their professionals have performed auto body repairs such as dings, painting, and framework. They also provide services such as oil changes, transmission repairs, and wheel alignments. Call (513) 863-3008 to schedule an appointment or to request their tow service, or visit them online.