After a long North Idaho winter, your Ford has likely seen its share of snow, road salt, mud, and grime. Winter can be pretty hard on vehicles up here, so even though spring brings a lot of nice, fresh rain, it’s a good time to formally bid farewell to all the road chemicals, sand, and ice melt that may have gotten into and onto your car. This spring, give your vehicle a fresh start with a thorough detailing that will not only make your Ford look great, but will also protect your paint, interior, and long-term value.

 

At Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, we encourage customers to treat spring detailing as an important part of seasonal maintenance. With the right approach, you can detail your Ford like a pro and keep it looking its best all year long.

 

Start with a Deep Exterior Wash

 

Begin by removing winter buildup that can damage your paint over time. Use a high-quality automotive soap and avoid household detergents, which can strip protective coatings. In addition to a regular wash of the body, pay special attention to:

 

• Wheel wells and rims, where brake dust and road salt collect

• Door jambs and trim

• Underbody areas exposed to road salt

 

If possible, rinse the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent corrosion; this can often be done easily at “do it yourself” car wash stations with high-pressure hose arms that can reach underneath the vehicle.

 

Inspect and Protect the Paint

 

Once the vehicle is clean, inspect the paint for chips or scratches caused by winter debris. Small imperfections can be touched up before they lead to rust.

 

In addition, applying a coat of wax or paint sealant adds a protective layer against UV rays, rain, and dirt. This not only enhances shine but also makes future cleaning easier.

 

Clean and Condition Exterior Trim

 

Plastic and rubber trim can fade or dry out during winter. Use a dedicated trim restorer and conditioner to bring back color and prevent cracking. This small step makes a big difference in the overall appearance of your Ford.

 

Refresh the Wheels and Tires

 

Clean wheels thoroughly with a non-acidic wheel cleaner. Once dry, apply tire dressing to restore a clean, satin finish. Avoid over-application, which can cause tires to sling excess onto your paint, trim, and wheels, which will attract dirt. Well-maintained wheels not only look good, they also make it easier to spot potential tire issues early.

 

Deep Clean the Interior

 

Moisture, sand, salt, and debris often end up getting tracked and dripped inside your vehicle over the winter, leaving your interior dirty and drab-looking. For your spring interior clean, start by removing floor mats and vacuuming the carpets, seats, and crevices between and under seats and compartments. Pay attention to:

 

• Salt stains on carpets

• Crumbs and debris under seats

• Door panels and cup holders

 

Vacuum and wipe thoroughly to remove ground-in dirt. For cloth upholstery, use a fabric cleaner to lift stains. For leather seats, use a cleaner and conditioner designed specifically for automotive leather to prevent drying or cracking. Automotive leather cleaners will protect your leather upholstery when the sun beats down on it while parked in summer sun.

 

Clean and Protect Interior Surfaces

 

Use a microfiber cloth and interior-safe specialty cleaner to wipe down the dashboard, center console, steering wheel, and door panels. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage screens or trim. For your screen, make sure you use a gentle cleaner and microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.

 

While you’re at it, now that your interior is nice and clean, spring is also a good time to replace your cabin air filter, which helps reduce pollen and allergens entering the vehicle. That will help keep your interior dust-free.

 

Don’t Forget the Glass

 

Clean glass doesn’t just look good, it makes driving safer, eliminating glare, dirt, and streaks that can obstruct your view. While North Idaho spring rains can mess up a clean window, a thorough post-winter cleaning of your windows inside and out will still eliminate the grime built up from closed cabins on the inside and road grit and salt kicked up onto your windshield. Clean all interior and exterior windows with a streak-free glass cleaner. Clear visibility will be essential as the days get longer and sunlight increases glare.

 

This is also a good time to replace worn wiper blades. Blades can get beaten up by freezing temperatures and frosted windshields, and you’ll appreciate optimal performance from good blades during rainy spring days. 

 

Finish with the Details

 

If you want to go the full distance, professional-level detailing can include finishing touches like cleaning the seatbelt webbing, wiping the inside edges of the trunk or rear hatch, cleaning inside the fuel door, cleaning the vanity mirrors, and applying a light fragrance to freshen the cabin. Some people even like to clean the engine!

 

Professional Detailing Support at Mike White Ford

 

DIY detailing can be effective and even enjoyable, but there are also many businesses that can provide professional detailing services if you don’t have the time or the right cleaning supplies. If you choose the DIY route, you can order a premium Ford Total Care Cleaning Kit that has everything you need to bring your Ford into top shape for this spring and longer.

But whether you do it yourself or trust the pros, spring detailing is an investment in your vehicle’s appearance and longevity. And if you are ready for some important spring maintenance under the hood, such as our signature The Works® oil change to prep your vehicle for summer road trips, contact Mike White Ford’s service department to schedule an appointment at our Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint locations, or we’ll be happy to come to your home or workplace with our convenient mobile service.