How to spring clean your car

Finally – we’ve got a few days of sunshine. Now that summer’s on the way it’s the perfect time to give your car a good clear out.

If you don’t know where to start, just follow our step-by-step guide.

We’ll begin inside the car.

Clear the clutter

Clothing, kids toys and so much rubbish… clutter can build up really fast in your car. It’s not just annoying – it can be dangerous if something rolls under one of the pedals while you’re driving.

Get a big box or bag to stuff everything into. You can sort through it all properly later, but just get it all out the car for now. Clear everything from the seats, boot and footwells. Don’t forget to check underneath all the seats too.

Next, sort through the glovebox, door pockets, seat pockets and central storage console and make some space.

Find any loose change in there? Keep it handy – you’ll need it for step two.

Top up while you fuel up

Next, head to your local petrol station. It’s a great place to give your car a bit of attention, especially if you don’t have a drive to park on.

Pull up by the vacuums first. They usually cost £1 for a few minutes and are super powerful. We told you that spare change would be useful. Give the seats and carpet a good once over.

Next, use the other services here to refresh your car. Go inside to buy some screenwash (and a little air freshener tree if you’re so inclined). Then head over to the ‘Air and Water’ sign.

Top up air and fluids

Did you find your car’s manual when you cleaned out the glovebox? Then you can look up the recommended tyre pressures there. Otherwise it might be on a sticker just inside the driver’s door opening, at the bottom. If you can’t find it (or the sticker’s too dirty to read), try this tool instead.

Once you know the pressures, use the air hose to check your tyres and top them up.

Pop the bonnet open and use the screenwash you bought and the water hose to fill the windscreen washer fluid reservoir. Look for a cap with a picture of a windscreen on it.

While you’re under the bonnet, check the oil. You’re looking for a brightly coloured loop shaped handle, which is the top of the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe the dipstick with a rag and put it back in. Remove again to check the oil is above the ‘min’ mark.

If the oil’s too low, you might be able to buy some to top it up while you’re still at the petrol station. Just be careful – it’s important to buy the right type. Check the manual again, or try this tool.

Clean your screen

Screenwash is a good start, but your windscreen needs a bit more attention. Especially at this time of year when the sun’s starting to appear. A dirty windscreen can cause the sun to dazzle and blind you as you drive.

Use window cleaner on a microfibre cloth to wipe down the inside. White vinegar also works well.

Now carefully pull your windscreen wipers up to check the wiper blades. If you see any cracks or splits, it’s time to replace them.

At the car wash

Time to tackle the outside. You shouldn’t wash your car out in the street because soapy, oily water can cause pollution when it runs into the drains. Not to mention the risk of pedestrians tripping on your bucket and hose.

Even if you have a driveway, it’s a daunting job. So there’s no shame in taking it to the carwash (there might even be one you can use while you’re topping up at the petrol station).

Make sure you remove roof racks and non-flexible antenna, then just drive onto the wheel guides and let the rollers do the rest.

Automatic car washes in the UK usually cost less than £10 for the cheapest options. An absolute bargain when the alternative is spending an hour outside with a bucket and sponge.

Bring on summer

That’s it – your car’s decluttered, refreshed and altogether a nicer place to be.

Hang your little scented tree on the rear view mirror, breathe in that fresh car fragrance and start planning some summer road trips – here’s our top three for inspiration.