GMC LIFE

Spring cleaning doesn’t only pertain to attics, garages, or other places around the home. As temperatures warm, spring is a great time to clean your GMC inside and out and make sure it’s in prime condition for summer. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Give Your GMC a Thorough Wash: While it’s easy to run a vehicle through an automatic car wash, those washes generally aren’t able to give enough attention to critical places where salt and mud can collect on your vehicle.

If you do wash your GMC yourself, choose a soap that’s specially formulated for use on automotive paint. While it might be tempting to just grab the dish soap under the kitchen sink, you shouldn’t – it’s formulated to cut tough grease and will easily remove the thin layer of wax on your car, diminishing its protection. Also, never use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can damage paint, metal and plastic parts, and never-ever use a pressure washer as it can remove paint and decals.

Additionally, do not use a towel or rag to wipe the vehicle’s body if it has been used to wipe down the tires or wheels. Rags used on wheels and tires can pick up road grit and small stones, which can scratch the clearcoat finish. Consider using the “two bucket method” – i.e., one bucket with water for rinsing your wash mitt and another with soapy water for washing – to reduce the chance of debris making its mark on the paint.

2. When to Wax: Your new GMC comes with a tough, durable finish that uses the latest in paint technology, but a quality car wax applied occasionally by hand can help to remove residue from the paint finish and keep it looking its best. Always apply the wax and buff it off in the shade or out of direct sunlight in order to prevent paint damage.

3. Take Care of Your Car’s Interior: Your interior puts up with a lot, such as dirt and oils from hands and UV rays from the sun. Immediately remove hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellant from all interior surfaces with a mild soapy solution to help prevent permanent damage. To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly remove any soils. You can use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from knobs and crevices on the instrument cluster, but be sure to use only cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned and never rub any surface aggressively or with too much pressure. Also never use razors or stiff bristled brushes on interior surfaces.

4. Check Your Tires: In addition to making sure each tire is properly inflated to the pressures listed on the tire inflation label located on the driver’s door jamb, look over your tires to ensure they’re in sound condition. Check to make sure you have sufficient tread depth, and if you notice any cracks or bulges in the sidewall, your tire may need replacement. Also, using petroleum-based tire dressing products on the vehicle may damage the paint finish and/or wheels. Always wipe off any overspray from painted surfaces.

5. Replace Wiper Blades: A blade’s natural rubber deteriorates over time due to exposure to the elements (ice, salt, and direct sunlight). This is why it’s recommended that you check your blades regularly. When you take your GMC to your dealer to be serviced, the Certified Service technician should check your windshield wipers and rear wiper blades as part of the Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection. They can recommend the right blades for your vehicle and install them for you.

6. Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection: While spring provides a great opportunity to look your vehicle over and ensure it is operating at peak performance, nobody knows your vehicle inside and out like a GMC Certified Service Technician. With most services, GMC Certified Service experts will perform a comprehensive Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection at no additional charge. The inspection takes a comprehensive look at the oil, tire wear, wiper blades, glass condition, fluid levels, brakes, battery condition and connections, and more.