Spring Cleaning Check List

 

Oil Change
· Remove oil filler cap on top of engine
· Put oil pan under drain plug
· Remove drain plug and oil filter
· Drain oil into pan
· Transfer oil and used filter into proper recycling containers
· Replace copper crush gasket on drain plug and install plug
· Fill new filter with fresh oil and smear a thin layer of oil on rubber gasket on filter
· Install filter
· Fill engine with proper amount of oil
· Recycle used oil

  Cooling system
· Remove radiator cap
· Inspect condition of radiator's interior to determine if it needs flushing
· Test anti-freeze with test strips or ratio gauge
· Replace or top-off antifreeze as necessary
· Refill overflow reservoir as directed by owner's manual
· Recycle used fluids  

Brake and Power steering System
· Clean lid and around opening of each reservoir
· Remove lid
· Inspect fluid for color
· Test fluid with test strip or boiling point test
· Flush or bleed system as necessary (if this step is necessary, we suggest towing your vehicle to a shop and letting a professional do it.)
· Replace or top off fluid as necessary
· Recycle used fluids  

Belts and Hoses
· Inspect condition of hoses and replace as necessary
· Inspect condition of all belts and replace as necessary  

Fuel system
· Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank
· Add fuel to top off tank
· Replace cap 

 Charging system
· Test battery for charge
· Replace battery if necessary; if not, then...
· Clean both terminals and top of battery
· Disable ignition system
· Crank over engine without actually starting for 30 seconds
· Enable ignition
· Open all doors of garage
· "Gentlemen, start your engines!"  

First Drive
· Re-inspect for leaks from oil cap, dip stick, and plug; coolant from hoses, etc.
· Check to ensure all lights, gauges, and systems are operational
· Check automatic transmission fluid for color and amount
· Add or replace as necessary
· Make first several stops slowly and deliberately early
· Take a cell phone or a quarter with you and enjoy the drive The bath
· Park the vehicle in a shady area
· Hose off the entire vehicle
· Wash vehicle from top down with sudsy water
· If you have a convertible or cloth top, scrub with proper cleaner
· Rinse a section at a time as you go
· Dry with many soft, terry towels
· Once dry, use a magnifying device to access the condition of the paint 

 The real cleaning
· Use a clay bar or paint cleaner as required by the condition of the surface (clear coat or otherwise)
· Remember to begin with the least abrasive products and progress as necessary and follow directions Polish away
· Apply paint sealer/glaze/polish and follow directions 

 Finish line
· Apply wax and follow directions
· If you desire, apply tire dressing
· Enjoy your drive and Hope it doesn't rain!

 

Courtesy of MotorTrend