Operation Spring Cleaning your Car and Garage

Thank you to Jiffy Lube for sponsoring my post about Spring Cleaning your car and garage… I didn’t realize how YUCKY it was after winter!

It’s finally warm again! My birthday month means that the frost is gone in Georgia, so flowers are being planted and the awful pine-pollen season is over with.  With warm weather also comes the feeling that spring cleaning is HERE!  While I LOATHE dusting those nooks and crannies, I often forget about one of the most used parts of our home.  Nope, not the kitchen, but the car and the garage!  We spend so much of our time out front playing by the garage and when we hit the road for summer vacation, we move into the car for quite a while.  Those two places need my attention after the deep winter; pollen, dirt and general grime are starting to build up!  To help encourage productivity,  Jiffy Lube and I came up with a few tips on how to best approach spring cleaning your car and garage.  

Spring Cleaning Your Car:

“Hydrate” Your Car

When’s the last time your car had the fluids checked? The oil changed? What about coolant?  Your car needs a drink when the warm weather comes around.  Check the levels of all vital fluids, including motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid, and top-off, or change fluids, as needed at Jiffy Lube!

Unload the Junk in Your Truck

Okay, raise your hand if you just have TRASH in your trunk.  Anyone? Okay, me.  The trunk of my car can serve as a catch-all for other random items that never quite make it in the house. All that extra weight can affect how well your vehicle performs on the road and could be costing you more money at the gas pump! (Chase… I’m looking at you and your work kit!!!)

TLC the Tires

After winter has passed, be sure to check the pressure of your tires to ensure they’re filled to the proper level.  And don’t forget to peek at the tire tread! Take my favorite President (Good ol’ Abe) and insert the penny into the tread groove with Abe Lincoln facing you, but with his head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.

Details Matter!

The winter months can wreak havoc on the cleanliness of your car interior. The fresh weather is a perfect excuse to give your car a proper cleaning.  You can either DIY with glass cleaner and a toothbrush, or you can splurge like me and get that puppy really cleaned by the pros.  I like waxing the car after the pollen is done with so everything is protected and shiny.

Restock Your Car Kit

Guilty as charged. I’m the one to use up the diapers, wipes and snacks and then not refill it.  I get so busy, sometimes I forget about our backups!  Make sure you and your car are prepared for all your driving adventures – large and small. Your warm weather car emergency kit should include any of the following: a small flashlight, jumper cables, a rain poncho, an emergency blanket, snacks, baby supplies and a first-aid kit.

Spring Cleaning Your Garage: 

Scrub the Deck

Be honest – when was the last time you gave your garage floor a good cleaning? It’s time! Besides sweeping or blowing the floor, think about paint, epoxy or even just a simple power washing. All that dirt and grime from the road comes right on in.  Looking for a cheaper alternative? Use concentrated concrete degreaser, a heavy-duty deck brush, your garden hose and some good old-fashioned elbow grease to scrub the lingering mess away.

Zone it Out

Our garage can get SO disorganized so quickly.  This spring, I utilized our standing shelves and LOTS of vertical storage.  I grabbed a few Tornado hooks and hung up our ladders, bikes, camping chairs and even our wagon.  Less underfoot means more foot room and places for our outside toys!