Spring Cleaning for Your Vehicle: Car Insurance in New Bedford

After many months of snow, ice, slush, and freezing temperatures, your car deserves a little attention. In addition to cleaning and seasonal care, routine vehicle maintenance is also a must. Whether you are planning a spring vacation to someplace even warmer or if you merely want to make sure your vehicle is ready for your daily commute, the time to act is now. This is true for standard vehicles, including both cars and trucks, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles. They all require maintenance and care, especially after a long New England winter. A thorough cleaning of the exterior and interior, as well as any required manufacturer’s recommended services, should help you start the spring season right.

Replacements and Inspections

Winter tires should be cleaned and stored for the next year as soon as snow and ice disappear. They aren’t meant to be used on plain asphalt and can cause damage to roads, as well as to your vehicle. Even if you did not use winter tires, take care to have your all-season tires checked and inspected. Make sure the tire pressure is appropriate for the season and that they are in good, sound condition. Other things to replace and check include windshield wiper blades, which can take a beating in winter weather and are a must for spring rainstorms, as well as batteries. The strain of starting the engine all winter long can take its toll. Consider bringing your battery into a local auto shop for testing to determine whether it will last another season.

While your heater may have served you well during the cold of winter, your HVAC system should still be checked to make sure that the air conditioning is ready for the hot days of summer. Replace cabin air filters, as well as any other air filters, to ensure clean air inside of your vehicle and efficient operation of your cooling system. Bring your vehicles to the local dealership or visit a trusted local mechanic. The more you can do to keep your vehicle operating effectively and efficiently, the longer it will last. A well-maintained vehicle retains its value and provides safe operation and dependability for many years. Take this time to check your New Bedford insurance agent and review your automobile insurance policy to ensure you have the right coverage based on your needs.

Clean Away the Winter Buildup

Certain areas of Massachusetts require the roads to be salted or de-iced for safety. However, all of that chemical and corrosive material can wreak havoc on the exterior of your vehicle. It is highly recommended that you get your car washed regularly throughout the winter. If you did not keep up with regular washings, or if you regularly drive through areas that are salted and de-iced, you will want to do a deeper spring cleaning. Basic soap and water will not remove all of that gunk from the underside of your vehicle, so it is highly recommended that you use something acidic. A natural remedy is to make a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. This will help to loosen the salt and other materials to make it easier to clean. Finish with a trip through a reputable car wash to finish the job.

The interior of your vehicle takes a lot of punishment, as well. Snowy boots and shoes pile inside, leaving behind snow, ice, slush, mud, and salt. Vacuum the inside thoroughly and consider having upholstery and carpeting professionally cleaned. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaners for leather or vinyl interiors, and be sure to clean everything from the floor mats to the headrests and everything in between. Take this opportunity to check and make sure that everything else inside is operational, including lights, seat adjustments, and mirrors. Create a checklist of things that must be done at the start of each season to help you stay on top of preventive maintenance.

Get a FREE Quote for Car Insurance in New Bedford

If you are interested in speaking with an insurance agent in MA concerning a New Bedford automotive insurance quote, contact Borden Insurance by calling 508-999-3636. We can answer any questions you might have about car insurance in New Bedford and help you update your existing policy.