Spring Cleaning For Your Car

Spring is known for April showers, May flowers, and the beginning of warmer temperatures that we have patiently waited for during the winter months. But spring is also when numerous people choose to take part in a long-honored tradition; spring cleaning. Sure, cleaning out the closets, scrubbing every surface, and reorganizing dresser drawers and basements surely isn’t as fun as sitting outside on the patio while the sun is shining. But isn’t it amazing to know that the house is spic and span and looking its best after a thorough dose of spring cleaning? 

Oftentimes, just when you think your work is complete, there is one area that you use very frequently that also needs a look; your car! Let’s face it; we are very confident that forgotten items are under the seats, wrappers and trash might be in the glove compartment, and you may even forget what items are in the trunk! Hey, we aren’t judging-when you’re often going from one place to the next, it’s easy to discard countless items in a hurry, telling yourself you’ll get to it later before becoming distracted with other tasks to accomplish.

If this sounds like your car, this is the perfect time of year to make sure not only your house, but your vehicle is ready to take on the season ahead by being as clean, fresh, and organized as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to giving your vehicle a proper spring cleaning.

Wash Your Car

When it comes to spring cleaning your car,  it’s best to start from the outside and work your way in, and that means giving your vehicle a good outside washing. During snowy weather, salt accumulates not only on the car’s body in cold weather, but also underneath it. Washing up this build-up salt at a local car wash will prevent salt corrosions that can cause harm to your vehicle’s muffler, exhaust, and coil springs.

Focus on the Carpets

Now that your car is looking good as new on the outside, let’s focus on the inside! After removing any trash, it’s time to give those carpets in the vehicle’s interior some loving by giving them a thorough vacuuming, removing stains, and power-washing floor mats.  

Replace Tires and Wiper Blades

Both your vehicle’s wiper blades and tires are exposed to a great deal during the winter season, so between the constant inclement weather and the potholes on the road, it’s a great idea to make sure both your tires are good to drive in and your wiper blades are prepared to face those April showers!

When it comes to making sure your car is clean and well-cared for, trust your friends and experts at Terry’s Auto Body. Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales is your headquarters for exemplary customer services and for spring vehicle cleaning. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your trailer needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients. Terry’s Auto Body has been serving the  Riceville and McIntire area for over 30-years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. Contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.compare.com/auto-insurance/guides/spring-cleaning-car-maintenance-checklist

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2014/03/spring-cleaning-for-your-car

How to Avoid Salt Damage to your Vehicle

The Midwest or America’s Heartland is known for a lot of things, the iconic foods, crystal clear lakes, cornfields, state fairs, Big Ten sports, and unpredictable weather. In fact, in Iowa, we can expect an average of 27-inches of snow each year and when it snows, you can be sure that salt is on the roadways. 

Salt is imminent to safe winter driving but it is unsightly on your vehicle and can also cause damage such as rust. Over time rust on certain parts of your car can create a myriad of issues such as problems with the brakes, structural damage, issues with the exhaust, muffler systems, coil springs, and more. The good news is, there are ways to avoid damaging your vehicle with a little time and effort. Here are some tips. 

1. Wash your vehicle every 10 days or less.
2. Wash your vehicle before the temperature reaches 35 degrees F. or higher. At freezing temperatures, road salt can't do much to hurt your car; it has to warm up to start contributing to rust.
3. Avoid driving through deep snow. Deep snow can become packed into the undercarriage and contribute to corrosion and even cause drivability problems (reduced braking action, vibrations, inhibit airflow, etc).
4. Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water where road salt collects.
5. Repair paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen to avoid corrosion.
6. Wax your vehicle at least every three months to give your vehicle a strong protective coating.
7. Wax your vehicle before winter to protect your paint from corrosive salt.
8. Keep car tires clean and salt-free.
9. Wash your car during the day so the vehicle has time to dry. 
10. If possible, avoid driving before and after a snowstorm.

While it’s not always possible to avoid the wintery weather of Iowa it is possible to avoid damage from the salt. Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales is your headquarters for exemplary customer services and for safe winter driving. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your trailer needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients. Terry’s Auto Body has been serving the  Riceville and McIntire area for over 30-years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. Contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/hidden-hazards-of-road-salt-car-corrosion-can-take-a-toll/363940

http://www.royaltouchcarwash.com/preventing-road-salt-damage/

https://blog.nationwide.com/prevent-road-salt-damage-to-your-car/

Photo by Thomas  Apeldoorn Unsplash 

Prep Your Car for Winter Driving

When it comes to driving in winter, we know what it takes to be good and careful drivers. When conditions are bad, we understand that we must drive slowly and cautiously and never waiver in our vigilance if we are to keep ourselves and other drivers safe. That's what we OURSELVES do. But we can be the best drivers around in these frigid conditions, but no matter how careful we are, it doesn't do much good if our cars are not ready Too Faced this dangerous season. The other half of the equation of remaining safe on the roads in these next few months is taking proper care of our vehicles.

Here are a few key ways to prep your car for safe driving during this frigid time of year. 

Inspect  Your Battery

The functionality of a battery, according to Constellation, lessens in cold weather. That’s why it’s best to have your car’s battery carefully inspected before severe winter weather strikes. 

Fix Your Heater

If you were to find yourself in an emergency while on the road and you’re stranded for a significant period of time, we have to assume you’d be pretty uncomfortable if your car’s heater was failing to work while waiting for help to arrive. Not only can a working heater in winter prevent minor discomfort during any trip, it can also keep you safe and healthy. 

Check  Your Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure with a tire gauge to ensure that your tires are fully prepared to face snow and ice. From there, you can simply follow the instructions found in your vehicle’s manual for the recommended tire pressure. If you find your tires need air, simply visit your local gas station-most of them offer free tire air fill-ups all year round!

Stock up on Emergency Materials

Having a box stocked with winter supplies can, at the very least, make an emergency situation more comfortable. But in extreme cases, a winter box can save your life should disaster strike on a cold winter day. US News recommends having a flashlight, road flares, a first-aid kit, blankets, an extra change of clothes, gloves, snacks, and a charged cell phone whenever you hit the road this season. 

Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales is your headquarters for exemplary customer services and for safe winter driving. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your trailer needs and will do whatever it takes to earn your business and remain lifelong clients. Terry’s Auto Body has been serving the  Riceville and McIntire area for over 30-years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. Contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.constellation.com/guides/winter-storm-preparedness/preparing-your-car-for-winter.html

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/11/03/5-steps-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter