You may have celebrated the arrival of spring – and the impending summer travel season – with the purchase of a used car. If you haven't made the leap quite yet, the team at NJ State Auto Auction can help you find a great option for your upcoming road trips and beach commutes, ensuring you get behind the wheel of a high-quality vehicle without breaking the bank. You'll still need to care for this car, and a good place to start is with a massive cleaning. 

Tips and tricks for washing your car
Maintenance should start with a thorough car wash. A hand wash is often the best option, but you need to have the right materials to make sure you're approaching the process correctly. News station WVLT suggested starting with two buckets: one with clean water and the other with soap and water, which ensures you have fresh liquid to do the final once-over. It's best to start from the top of your vehicle and work your way down. This allows you to attack the dirtiest sections last – preserving the life of your sponges – and ensure sections you've already cleaned don't become dirty again. 

Car Talk noted that this whole process should be completed in the shade. The source reported that hot cars cause the soapy mixture to dry quickly, leading to streaks and unsightly stains. High temperatures can also soften the paint and increase the odds of scratches. To avoid these problems, wait for a cool car surface and use plenty of water. 

Washing the car is just the beginning, as your job isn't done until you've waxed the vehicle as well. Waxing is essential for protecting the paint of the vehicle – something that is especially important if you have a used car. After you've rinsed and dried your car, use a basic exterior wax. Your surface will be guarded against rain and other debris while also looking glossy and new. 

What's happening under the hood?
A few aspects of your vehicle's engine may need some attention. If you're not sure of what to do, make sure you read your owner's manual for information on your maintenance checklist, recommended cleaners and other car-specific tips. You can also head to a servicing center for input from experts. 

Your manual will probably tell you to get regular tune ups. The importance of this action can't be understated, but there are a few other measures you can take to guarantee your used car is ready for spring and summer. Check the air filter first. A replacement filter will keep pollen and other pollutants away from your car, allowing you to breath easier and increase fuel efficiency. 

Make your driving experience a clean one

Once the exterior and the inner workings of the car are cared for, it's time to take a look around your personal driving space. Shake out and spray down floor mats, vacuum the carpets and throw out any trash that has accumulated through the winter. Then you can turn your attention to your dashboard and similar dials around the interior. Car Talk suggested using tools like a toothbrush or paint brush, which are ideal for cleaning around buttons and reaching all of the crevices found in a car. 

Finally, make sure your windshield and wipers are ready for spring rain and summer thunderstorms. Check the wipers to see if they need to be replaced and refill wiper fluid to ensure you're stocked for the coming months. A car wash will clean off the windows, so all you'll have to do is double-check for streaks or missed spots that could otherwise hurt your visibility. Go over these locations with a proper glass cleaner. You'll be a better, more focused driver if your car is clean and distraction-free.