Spring Clean Your Car

Maybe the longer days are going to my head, but I have a sudden urge to ready my car for spring. (That, and I lost a glove so winter has to be almost over.)

Here are some tasks to put on your auto to do list. By the time the vernal equinox arrives, you'll be leader of the pack where spring chores are concerned.

Road salt can damage your vehicle's undercarriage by corroding its metal. Give your car a spa day at the car wash and rid of winter road crud.

Check your tires, as tire pressure changes about one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. And rotate your tires every 5,000-10,000 miles. This extends their lives significantly by reducing wear.

They are stalwart protectors of your road safety during the winter, but windshield wipers take a beating while squeegee-ing away dirt, debris, salt and gravel spray. Be sure the blades haven't dried out, and that they're making full contact with the windshield. As a rule of thumb, replace blades every spring and fall.

Your car's air filter prevents dust and debris from infiltrating the engine's running parts. When it's clogged or worn it can mean less efficient use of gas (poor mileage) and weaker engine performance.

And last but never least, clean the interior. Purge your car of trekked-in salt and dirt. Vacuum underneath mats, clean windows of doggy slobber and wipe down the door interiors of built-up dirt.

And if you find my glove, please let me know.

Have you ever had your car detailed in the spring? It's almost as good as buying a new car. Let me know here.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.