How to Spring Clean Your Car After the Winter

February 08, 2016 · 2 min read

You might be wondering what's so important about spring cleaning your car? Well, it's not just a stubborn tradition. Here are the best ways to clean your car as the winter ends, and the reasons why.

Pre-Winter and Post-Winter Waxing

Road salt is a major risk to vehicles during and after the winter season. One good way to protect against the damaging minerals is by giving the paint job a fresh wax, at the start of winter starts and the beginning of spring. Other areas of your car can also suffer such as the wheels so remember to clean and protect them as well.

Washing Away Road Salt Residue

The residual road salt on your car can wreak havoc on it's exterior, and even cause dangerous corrosion on the undercarriage. A thorough washing is all it takes to remove these minerals and protect your vehicle. In some extreme cases, drivers who left salt residue on their undercarriage ended up with holes in their floor. Don't shrug it off, because rinsing off the remaining salt that's dried onto your car will save you a lot of stress. Just going to a paid car wash is good enough, if you can get the undercarriage rinsed. However, if you wash it yourself, be sure to add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the wash bucket, which will neutralize the salt.

The Perfect Wash and Rinse

Residual salt is imperceptibly small, so you'll want to make sure that areas inside the wheels, around fenders, the trunk, hood, and movable parts such as door jambs are washed. If these areas are not thoroughly cleaned, you could very well see problems later. When you wash your car, be sure to use a quality soap; ideally, one that it intended for automobiles. In particular, avoid dish soaps. Some of these soaps can wear away the clear coat of your car. If you're still in the colder days of winter, there's a risk that the Photo by kaboompics | Licensed under cc0

Posted in:

Jun 22, 2021 in Car Maintenance Tips

Is it time for your Toyota to have the fluids replaced? Keep your Toyota running great and maintain its value with Toyota service fluid replacement service at Passport Toyota

Toyota Service Fluid Replacement Performing your Toyota service fluid replacement at factory-recommended maintenance intervals is a great way to keep your Toyota running great and maintain its value. Is it time for your Toyota to have the fluids replaced? Our Toyota-trained technicians right here in Suitland at Passport Toyota can quickly handle all of your Toyota fluid replacement needs. Service Center Why use Genuine Toyota fluids • Made to Toyota specifications to safeguard Toyota vehicle appearance and under-the-hood shop maintenance Genuine Toyota fluids How often should fluids be checked? • Fluids should be checked at each regular service visit Genuine Toyota fluids Why is it important? • Contributes to proper vehicle performance • Enhances passenger safety Schedule your appointment with our Service Center today!

Jun 04, 2021 in Car Maintenance Tips

Get your vehicle ready for summer with our cabin air filter special at Passport Toyota

Get the perfect air filter for your vehicle! $49.99 Includes Installation CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE SERVICE Toyota Vehicles Only. Must present when service order is written. One coupon per customer. May not be combined with other offers. Not applicable to prior purchases. Not responsible for typographical or printing errors. Other restrictions may apply. See advisor for details.

May 18, 2021 in Car Maintenance Tips

Tire Price Match Guarantee at Passport Toyota

Toyota Tire Price Match Guarantee Found a better tire price? We’ll match it! Simply bring in a printed quote from a local competitor within 30 days, and we’ll refund you the difference. 5 Reasons To Buy From A Toyota Dealer 1. The right tires for your Toyota model 2. Toyota tire price match guarantee 3. Expert installation by factory-trained technicians 4. All major brands, including BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Yokohama, and more 5. Road hazard coverage included on eligible tires Click here to search the right tires for your vehicle. Conditions and exclusions apply. Contact us for details.