The ultimate guide to prepping your car for Spring

Step 1: The exterior deep clean: Beyond the surface

Aussie winter driving leaves a tough layer of road grime, dirt, and contaminants, even if it’s mild compared to a European or North American winter. A proper wash is the foundation of any good detail.

Start with the wheels

Your wheels and tyres are usually the dirtiest parts of your car. Clean them first with a dedicated wheel cleaner to avoid splashing brake dust and grime onto your clean paintwork later.

Use the two-bucket method

This is a pro-tip that drastically reduces the risk of swirl marks and scratches. Fill one bucket with your choice of car wash soap and another with plain water for rinsing your wash mitt. This ensures you’re not dragging trapped dirt back across your car’s finish.

Don’t forget the details

Open the doors, boot, and bonnet to clean the painted door jambs and door sills. These areas trap a surprising amount of dirt and are often missed in a standard wash. Tip: Use a second wash mitt or microfibre cloth to prevent your main mitt from getting too contaminated.

Step 2: Decontaminate your paintwork for a silky-smooth finish

After washing, run your hand over the paint. Does it feel slightly rough or gritty? If it does, that’s the result of bonded contamination such as road tar, tree sap, and industrial fallout that a normal wash won’t remove.

To get a truly clean surface, you need to decontaminate. You can use a chemical iron remover (which you’ll often see turn purple as it works!) or a clay bar. A clay bar is a special resin compound that you glide over the lubricated paint surface. It gently pulls these embedded particles out, leaving the finish feeling as smooth as glass and perfectly prepped for protection.

Step 3: Protect your paint

This is arguably the most important step in preparing your car for an Australian summer. The sun’s UV rays can cause paint to fade, oxidise, and deteriorate over time. Applying a layer of protection is like putting on sunscreen for your car.

Wax vs. Sealant

Natural carnauba waxes offer a beautiful, deep gloss but typically last for a few months. Synthetic paint sealants or ceramic coatings create a much more durable, long-lasting chemical bond with your paint, offering superior protection against UV rays, bird droppings, and water spots for six months or even longer.

Application is key

Whether you choose a wax or a sealant, apply it in a thin, even layer out of direct sunlight. Allow it to haze over as per the instructions before buffing it off with a clean, soft microfibre towel.

Step 4: A fresh start for the interior

Winter often means muddy shoes, damp carpets, and foggy windows. A spring clean is the perfect time to reset your car’s interior.

A thorough vacuum

Start by removing all floor mats and giving them a good clean. Then, vacuum every corner of the car, using crevice tools to get into tight spaces between and under the seats.

Wipe down surfaces

Use a quality interior cleaner and a microfibre cloth to wipe down the dashboard, centre console, door panels, and steering wheel.

Crystal clear glass

Clean all windows and mirrors, inside and out, with a dedicated automotive glass cleaner. For a streak-free finish, use one cloth for the initial clean and a second, dry cloth for the final buff.

Banish dampness

If your carpets feel damp, leave the doors open on a dry, sunny day to let them air out completely. This helps prevent musty smells and the growth of mould and mildew. Tip: Check your cabin filter too. It should generally be replaced every two or three years.

Step 5: The essential under-the-bonnet check

A spring clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also the perfect opportunity for some basic maintenance checks.

Wiper blades

Winter is tough on rubber. Inspect your wiper blades for any signs of cracking, splitting, or perishing. If they leave streaks, it’s time for a new pair to ensure clear vision for those spring showers.

Fluid levels

Top up your windscreen washer fluid. While you’re there, it’s a good idea to check your engine oil and coolant levels to make sure they are within the recommended range.

Tyre pressure

Temperature changes affect tyre pressure. Check all four tyres (and the spare!) and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which you can find on the placard inside the driver’s door jamb.