Car Washing Guide: How to Prepare Your Car for Spring?

Spring is here, which means it’s time to free your car from winter dust, salt, and other road grime. We recommend choosing a self-service contactless car wash equipped with modern washing solutions that not only effectively clean your car and protect it from damage but also help save time, money, and the environment — making it a much smarter option than washing your car at home or in an automatic car wash. 

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to thoroughly clean your car after the long winter and prepare it for the new season, so your vehicle can shine as brightly as the spring sun! 

1. Thorough Exterior Wash – Removing Salt and Dirt

During winter, the car’s exterior accumulates salt and chemicals that can cause paint corrosion and lacquer cracking, which may eventually lead to rust. That’s why your spring car wash deserves special attention:

  • Use a high-pressure water jet to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas, especially the sills, wheel arches, and lower edges of doors.

  • Choose active foam – it helps to break down and remove stubborn dirt more effectively.

  • Rinse the car from top to bottom to prevent dirt from spreading onto cleaned surfaces.

2. Cleaning Windows and Mirrors – A Clear View of the Road

In spring, sunlight hits at a lower angle, which increases glare on dirty windows. It’s also the time of year when pollen and dust fill the air, quickly settling on car windows and significantly reducing visibility when combined with sunlight. To keep your driving safe and comfortable:

  • Don’t forget to refill windshield washer fluid, preferably one designed to remove oily residues effectively.

  • Remember to clean the inside of the windows too – they can be dusty or foggy, leaving streaks or spots. The best tool for this is a microfiber cloth.

  • Check the condition of the wiper blades – if they’re worn out, it’s time to replace them with new ones.

3. Interior Cleaning – Get Rid of Winter Dust and Moisture

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your car’s interior!

  • Wash the floor mats and vacuum the carpets, as dirt and moisture tend to build up there. 

  • Use interior cleaner to remove stains and dust from the dashboard and door panels.

  • If the cabin still smells damp from winter, use an air freshener or activated charcoal bags to absorb odors.

4. Hot Wax Coating – Protection Against Dust and Rain

 Spring often brings rain, and a hot wax treatment will help water roll off the surface and keep your car cleaner for longer.

  • After a thorough wash, apply a hot wax coating to protect the car’s exterior surface.

  • Regular waxing not only makes your car look better but also makes future washing easier.

5. Tire and Wheel Cleaning – Get Rid of Brake Dust

Spring is the right time to switch from winter to summer tires, but don’t rush – always consider the driving conditions first!

  • Wash the wheels and tires – during winter they collect a lot of brake dust.

  • Apply tire shine to give your car a fresher and more polished look.

Spring car washing is not only about keeping your vehicle clean and shiny — it’s also about maintaining its longevity and safety. Regular washing keeps your car protected, spotless, and ready to enjoy spring drives!

Visit your nearest PUTO self-service contactless car wash and get your car ready for spring today!

Let it foam clean!

puto automazgātavā mazgāšanas pults panelī tiek nospiesta aktīvo putu funkcija