One car care expert sees spring as his queue to strip vehicles from their coats of winter gray and layer on the vestments of summer sparkle.

Mike Pennington of Meguiar's puts it simply.

“Spring cleaning for your vehicle is crucial for removing the harsh elements that winter leaves behind. “Removing winter debris, salt residue and trapped moisture protects your vehicle’s surface and reduces the risk of long-term damage.”

Here’s Pennington’s spring car care checklist:

1. Exterior body and paint

Salt, mud and sand build up on doors, bumpers and lower body panels during winter driving.

The residue can dull paint and cause corrosion. A detailed exterior wash removes grime from painted surfaces and restores your vehicle’s shine.

Apply wax or paint protection after cleaning to build a barrier against springtime road debris.

2. Undercarriage and frame

Road salt and slush often accumulates around frame rails, suspension components and metal brackets underneath your vehicle. Over time, this hidden salt can cause underbody rust.

A thorough rinse removes buildup in these hard-to-reach areas and protects your vehicle’s metal components.

3. Wheels and wheel wells

Wheel wells absorb large amounts of sand, slush and salt during winter.

Debris accumulates in hidden areas and can be hard to remove. As warm temperatures return, the grime hardens and entraps moisture around metal surfaces.

Schedule a spring car care appointment to have your wheels cleaned and protected to avoid rust.

4. Grille and air intake areas

Front grilles and air intake outlets collect dirt, insects and winter debris which can block airflow.

A detailer will remove the trapped grime in these areas and prevent further congestion. This keeps air flowing properly to the radiator and engine bay for your vehicle to run smoothly during spring drives.

5. Windshield and windows

Winter driving often leaves a thin film of salt spray and road residue on glass surfaces. This can cause sunlight glare and reduce visibility during rain showers.

Take your car to a service center to have the windshield, side windows and rear glass cleaned to enhance your driving safety. Crystal-clear glass reduces eye strain and helps you spot hazards easily on the road.

6. Wiper blades

Damaged blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of hazards on wet roads.

Wiper blades worn out snow, ice and road spray get tattered and torn. Rubber edges are clogged with debris and begin to leave a mess on your windshield.

Ask your service center to install a new set of blades before your spring road trip.

 7. Door jambs and seals

Door jambs and rubber seals are easy to overlook but they absorb plenty of dirt and moisture during stormy months. Deteriorated seals can prevent doors from closing properly, create leaks and increase air noise.

Salt residue trapped in these areas can slowly deteriorate the rubber seals and paint surfaces of your vehicle.

Have a detailing pro clean the door frames and condition the rubber seals to ensure your doors close properly.

 8. Interior carpets and floor mats

Winter boots and wet shoes bring salt, slush and mud into your vehicle. The residue soaks into carpets and floor mats where it can leave stains and unpleasant odors.

A thorough vacuum and shampooing removes the embedded debris and restores freshness inside the cabin.

9. Seats and upholstery

Cleaning upholstery removes stains and protects the interior from premature wear.

Dust, dirt and winter grime sink into fabric and leather seating surfaces. Conditioning leather surfaces also prevents cracking and keeps seats supple as temperatures rise.

10. Dashboard, console and interior surfaces

Interior surfaces attract everyday grime when you drive. A proper spring cleanup removes these contaminants from dashboards, door panels and center consoles.

Use protectants designed for automobiles to shield surfaces from sun damage in hot temperatures.

Regular care preserves your vehicle’s interior appearance and protects its overall value.

11. Trunk and cargo area

Vehicle trunks are out of sight and often forgotten. Grime from wet boots, spilled drinks, soiled clothes and dirty gear can turn your vehicle trunk into an unsightly mess.

Vacuuming the cargo area thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. Remove and clean trunk liners to eliminate embedded grime and reduce odor.

Take a few moments to inspect cargo hooks, straps and storage compartments.

12. Engine bay (light cleaning)

Your vehicle's engine compartment collects all of the grime splashing up from dirty roads. Grime can damage critical components and deteriorate rubber parts such as hoses and belts.

If it has not been inspected since last October, your engine may need a professional car care service to gently these vulnerable areas.