It's Time to Spring Clean Your Car

Winter leaves behind more than just puddles and potholes, it cakes your vehicle in salt, grime, and hidden wear. Spring is the perfect opportunity to reset. Whether you're hitting the road for warm weather adventures or simply want a smoother ride, this guide will walk you through a thorough spring cleaning, complete with the best products to get the job done right.

1. Wash Away Winter: Surface, Wheels & Undercarriage

A proper spring clean starts with a full-body wash (especially underneath). Road salt is corrosive and sticks to your undercarriage, wheel wells, and suspension components.

Use Oil Eater Ultra Concentrate Fleet Wash or Purple Power Cleaner/Degreaser for a powerful but safe clean that strips away months of grime without damaging paint or rubber. For the wheels and tires, Bleche-Wite Tire Cleaner restores that deep black finish and removes stubborn brake dust in seconds.

Want your engine to look as clean as the outside? Degrease it with Gunk Engine Brite, Oil Eater Orange, or Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner. Just be sure to cover electrical components and rinse carefully.

2. Get Inside: Deep Clean the Cabin

The inside of your car deserves just as much attention. Begin by removing mats and giving the carpets a good vacuum. Then tackle surfaces with purpose.

For plastics, vinyl, and dashboards, use Spray Nine Heavy Duty Cleaner, Grez-Off Heavy Duty Degreaser, or Simple Green Disinfectant Cleaner for safe, non-abrasive cleanup. These products cut through oils, dust, and built-up residue without leaving a greasy film behind.

Finish the job with a refreshing scent, like ComStar Cherry Bomb Gel, Sweet Air Powder, or Sweet Air Spray, all designed to eliminate odors and keep your car smelling like it just left the detail shop. Choose your favorite scent profile (and keep a spare under the seat).

3. Clear Views Ahead: Glass, Wipers & Washer Systems

Nothing gives away a lack of maintenance like streaky glass or a squeaky wiper blade. Spring is the time to get your visibility back in check. Clean both interior and exterior windows using Gunk Glass Cleaner, DINITROL 7250, or DINITROL 582 for a crystal-clear, fog-free finish.

Replace worn wipers, especially if they chattered through the snow season, and top off your windshield washer reservoir with the right fluid for your region: -20°F, -45°F, or even -144°F Windshield Washer Fluid options ensure you’re ready for anything from spring showers to a surprise cold snap.

4. Brake Dust, Be Gone: Stop Smart and Clean

Your braking system collects a ton of gunk over winter that can affect performance, including dust, salt, and grease. Get in there with a dedicated brake cleaner! Products like CRC Brakleen, PENRAY Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner, or CRC Brakleen Low VOC make short work of contaminants while being safe for rotors and calipers.

Clean brakes aren’t just safer, they’re quieter too! You'll notice better pedal feel and more confident stops after a proper cleaning.

5. Fuel & Air System TLC: Drive Smoother This Season

Over time, especially during winter storage or short trips, your fuel system can accumulate deposits. Spring is the ideal time to flush things out and improve combustion.

Use Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner, K100-G+, or Star Tron Enzyme Treatment to clean injectors and restore lost power. For diesel engines, Power Service Diesel Kleen +Cetane or Howes Meaner Power Kleaner improve performance while lubricating key components.

Also take the opportunity to inspect and change your cabin air filter, and spray down HVAC intakes with Simple Green Disinfectant or Spray Nine. This prevents spring allergens from taking over your drive.

6. Additives That Make a Difference

Fuel additives aren’t just for performance cars. Products like Lucas Octane Booster, STP Octane Booster, and Johnsen's Octane Boost raise the octane rating and improve throttle response, especially helpful after a long winter of short trips and idle time.

Got water in your fuel from condensation? Use Berkebile 2+2 Gas Line Anti-Freeze or K100-G+ to remove moisture and prevent stalling or rough idling. These can be lifesavers, especially in fluctuating spring temperatures.

7. Rust Never Rests: Lubricate, Protect & Seal

A clean car is great, but a protected one is better. After washing, go the extra step and protect vulnerable areas with trusted lubricants and corrosion inhibitors.

Spray Undercoating in a Can, Carwell Rust Inhibitor CP90, or Fluid Film on the undercarriage, frame rails, and wheel wells. Use PB B'Laster, WD-40, CRC Power Lube, or Undercoating in a Can Clear Fluid Coat for hinges, latches, or any stuck component you come across while cleaning.

For a do-it-all penetrant, Berkebile 2+2 Protection First Class provides lubrication, moisture displacement, and surface sealing in one. These products don’t just protect—they extend the life of your investment.

8. Clean Hands After the Dirty Work

Once you're done scrubbing, spraying, and wrenching, you’ll need to clean up. Skip the dish soap and grab a purpose-built solution like Bear Paw Hand Cleaner or Gojo Cherry Gel Pumice. These cut through grease and grime without drying out your skin (and they smell good, too).

9. Detail-Focused? Don’t Overlook Your Engine & Electronics

If you're someone who doesn’t stop until every bolt shines, finish off your spring refresh with targeted cleaners. CRC Lectra Motive Electric Parts Cleaner is excellent for degreasing electrical connectors, motor housings, and starters without leaving residue.

For older cars or small engine equipment, use Berkebile 2+2 Gum Cutter, CRC Clean-R-Carb, or Solder Seal Gunk Carb Medic to restore carburetor performance and eliminate varnish buildup.

Ready to Roll

Spring cleaning your car is more than a tradition; it’s a tune-up for the seasons ahead. By using the right products, you're not just cleaning, but also preventing damage, improving safety, and investing in your vehicle’s longevity.

Whether it’s your daily driver, weekend cruiser, or company fleet, give it the deep clean it deserves. Your car (and your passengers) will thank you.