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Although it’s still cold outside, the winter months are slowly coming to an end, which can only mean one thing: spring is coming!

Alongside the increase in outdoor temperature, spring is a great time of year for getting your affairs in order, including your car. That’s right, it’s not just your home that needs a good cleaning; it’s easy for your car to get cluttered amidst the winter madness.

Start spring on the right foot with our ultimate spring cleaning checklist for your beloved motor.

First up we have the less involved car spring cleaning tasks.

Dust is unforgiving in your car. There are so many small crevices and cracks for dust to collect over time, becoming a major eyesore for you and your passengers. Not only does dust not look the best, but it can also cause some mechanical issues if left untouched.

For example, if dust clogs up your fan vents, you may suffocate them and cause them to work harder than needed. To fix this, simply take a damp cloth and wipe down all the dust around the car.

Using a damp cloth is key. Dry cloths will simply move the dust from one place to another, whereas a damp cloth will actually pick the dust up. You can use those slime-like tools that promise to get into your fan vents, but a damp cloth can be just as effective (and cheaper!).

After dusting, the most logical step to take with spring cleaning your car is giving it a good vacuum. Vacuuming before dusting just causes the dust to bounce around the vehicle, so lift as much as you can prior to doing so.

Leave no surface untouched while vacuuming. Carpets, seats, the boot, and floor mats – all of them gather dirt, which should lift quite easily with a vacuum.

With your interior free from dust and freshly vacuumed, now comes the time to get it sparkly clean.

One thing to bear in mind while cleaning your car is that some cleaning solutions will promise varying levels of ‘finish’ on your car’s plastic/leather surfaces. Anything that promises a ‘glossy finish’ will usually contain some sort of additive designed to leave a sheen on top of the plastic. If you’re a purist, avoid these solutions where possible. Instead, stick to anything that has ‘matte finish’ on the bottle.

Gloss finishes might look nice at first glance, but they’ll often leave behind a streaky finish on your clear plastic surfaces (speedo/odometers and infotainment screens, for example). Not only can these look bad, but they can impact your driving. Glossy surfaces also provide less grip compared to matte ones, so practice caution when handling/using your steering wheel.

The average car owner will rarely use tools like pre-wash for their car. But, you’re not average!

Pre-wash is a very useful tool for your car spring cleaning checklist as it does a lot of work with very little effort on your behalf. Before even a drop of water touches your paint’s surface, evenly apply a few sprays of pre-wash to every body panel on your car and let it sit for around 10 minutes.

After enough time has passed, you’ll notice that the pre-wash picks up and releases a lot of the surface-level imperfections in the paint with zero scrubbing – an excellent benefit for both short washes and more involved detailing sessions.

Once your pre-wash has worked its magic, it’s important to get all of the dirt removed from your car. Heading straight in with a sponge at this stage can ruin your paint, so do not skip this step!

With some cold, clean water, work your way around every visible exterior surface of your car until all of the dirt, salt, and asphalt is gone. Don’t forget the wheels!

Depending on how dirty your car was, at this stage, you can potentially call it a rest and be done for the day. But, if you want perfection, the last remaining step of your exterior spring clean is the hand wash.

We advise using the two-bucket method for washing your car. The idea is simple – you have one bucket for rinsing sponges, and the other for adding fresh, cleaning water. This ensures that no dirt makes its way back onto your car after you’ve washed it off.

Although they may sound daunting, some cars have user-serviceable air filters that are easy to reach and work with. Certain vehicles have them in the driver’s footwell, adjacent to the accelerator. They’re usually hidden with a plastic panel, and simply pull outward from their holding compartments for quick removal and replacement.

That’s not the only air filter to change, though. There’s usually an air intake filter to be replaced that sits in your car’s engine bay. The instructions for replacing these will vary depending on your car, but the steps are relatively transferable.

While topping up your oil isn’t necessarily a cleaning task, per se, it is a good idea to check in on your oil at regular intervals. Cleaning is a good opportunity to do this, especially if you’re attempting to clean the engine bay itself.

Simply remove the dip stick and check the oil levels as you usually would. If you see your levels are low, add a bit more fresh oil to the system by locating the filler cap, unscrewing it, and pouring more oil in via a funnel.

An often-overlooked part of mechanical car cleaning and maintenance is the petrol system, and for good reason. The petrol tank isn’t exactly the most visible of elements, so it makes sense why it goes unchecked. 

Thankfully, cleaning the petrol system is a fairly painless exercise, thanks to fuel additives. These solutions are meant to be poured into the tank prior to filling up. As fuel makes its way through your car, the additive will help break down any carbon deposits to help fuel flow through.

If you’re a frequent user of ‘premium’ fuel, you very likely won’t need to do this as often. Premium fuel is designed to have these additives included from the start.

Found your dream car? Keep it looking and functioning its best with the motoring advice on our blog. We cover a range of topics, from general car maintenance to cleaning guidance, and many more.

Spring has nearly sprung! Get your car in tip-top shape this year with our car spring cleaning checklist. Read our maintenance and cleaning tricks, here.  

Spring cleaning checklist for your car

We all have different driving styles. Some of us like to plan every journey, while others take a more relaxed approach. But, what does that say about our driver personality? Becoming more self-aware behind the wheel can help you better understand your driving habits and behaviours. From 'The Family Chauffeur' to the 'The City Commuter' and everything in between, we’ve identified some common driving personality examples.

Let’s hit the road and discover which one sounds most like you.

You’re all about making sure everything is in top condition before you hit the road. You check your car regularly—tyres, oil, window screen wash—everything’s ready for a smooth drive.

You know the importance of a well-maintained car and make sure it's prepped for the journey ahead, whether it’s a short trip or a long haul. You like to drive with peace of mind, knowing everything is sorted before you get started.

Regularly checking the car’s tyres, oil, and coolant levels

Always topping up windscreen wash before hitting the road

Carrying essential tools, like a spare tyre, jump leads, and basic emergency supplies

For you, driving isn’t about racing to your destination—it’s about taking your time and enjoying the ride. Whether it’s a Sunday drive through the countryside or a leisurely trip into town, you like to keep things steady and stress-free.

Preferring scenic routes over faster motorways

For you, every drive is a performance. Whether you’re belting out ballads on the motorway or getting caught at a red light with a solo concert, music is essential. You're always on the go, juggling coffee, squeezing in a dance break when the vibe hits, and making sure the journey is just as fun as the destination.

Always having a playlist ready for any drive

Enjoying spontaneous sing-alongs or dance breaks during the journey

You’ve mastered the art of navigating rush-hour traffic, squeezing into tight parking spaces, and timing your trips to avoid congestion.

For you, the daily drive isn’t just a routine—it’s a carefully planned operation. You know the shortcuts, the best times to hit the road, and which lanes move fastest. Efficiency is key, and every trip is a chance to fine-tune your strategy.

Timing traffic lights and bus lanes like a pro

Occasionally getting frustrated with slow-moving traffic

You love the journey just as much as the destination. Whether it’s a coastal drive, a countryside escape, or a scenic route with a stop at your favourite services (like Tebay in Cumbria), you make the most of every trip.

Your car is stocked with snacks, a carefully curated playlist, and a flexible itinerary—because the best adventures are the ones that unfold along the way.

Enjoying long scenic routes (perhaps around the best service stations and pit stops)

Always having a travel mug or snacks within reach

A love for exploring new places by car (with a backup plan for unexpected detours)

For you, driving is all about getting your loved ones where they need to be—whether it’s the school run, football practice, or weekend plans. Your car is stocked with snacks, spare jackets, and probably a bit of backseat chaos.

Regularly adjusting the rearview mirror to check on the kids

A car filled with toys, water bottles, and an emergency stash of wet wipes

Tip: A little preparation goes a long way—keeping essentials handy (playlist to sing along with the kids or an iPad to keep them entertained) and setting a routine can help make each trip smoother.

Self-awareness is a helpful skill when driving. Accepting your tendencies can make them more controllable and improve your overall driving competency. With our series of informative articles on our motoring blog, you can become a more conscious driver, regardless of your personality type.

Thinking about hitting the road this spring? We look at some of the best UK road trips.

What’s your driving personality?

Spring is the perfect time to hit the road and explore all that the UK has to offer, whether that’s breathtaking countryside, coastal cliffs, or rolling hills. As the season awakens and we start to get a glimpse of sunshine after the cold winter months, these five scenic routes promise remarkable scenes for a fun road trip.

Highlights: Quaint villages, rolling hills, and blooming daffodils 

The Cotswolds Romantic Road takes you on a journey through some of England’s most idyllic villages. Starting in Chipping Campden, you’ll pass through picturesque spots like Broadway, Snowshill, and Bourton-on-the-Water. In spring, the Cotswolds come alive with wildflowers and vibrant greenery. Be sure to stop at Snowshill Lavender Fields if the season is right. The route ends in Cirencester, where you can enjoy a countryside walk or visit the town’s historic abbey. 

Tip: Stop at a traditional tearoom for freshly baked scones and clotted cream. 

Distance: 50-60 miles (varies by route) 

Highlights: Mountain views, lakeside drives, and springtime hikes 

The Lake District is magical in spring, with daffodils bursting along the lakeshores and misty mountain views. Start your journey in Ambleside, follow the road to Grasmere (stop by Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s former home), and loop around Derwentwater. Drive through Borrowdale Valley for stunning scenery and spot waterfalls cascading down the hillsides. 

Tip: Take a short hike to Tarn Hows or Buttermere for spectacular views of spring blossoms. 

Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, wildflower meadows, and the Giant’s Causeway 

The Causeway Coastal Route offers one of the most dramatic coastal drives in the UK. Start in Belfast and follow the winding road north towards Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the legendary Giant’s Causeway. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, with spring wildflowers painting the cliffs in bright colours. Don’t miss the charming town of Cushendun, known for its caves and folklore! 

Tip: Stop for a picnic at Murlough Bay for sweeping coastal views. 

Highlights: Cherry blossoms, orchards in bloom, and charming villages 

Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent bursts to life in spring. The Kent Blossom Trail winds through the county’s apple and cherry orchards, with stops at Tenterden, Sissinghurst, and Chilham. Be sure to visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which is famous for its spring blooms. Drive through Biddenden Vineyards for a picturesque view of rolling hills and blossoming fruit trees. 

Tip: Visit a local farm shop for fresh apple cider and spring produce. 

Highlights: Majestic mountains, waterfalls, and lush valleys 

The Llanberis Pass is a short but spectacular drive through the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Starting in Betws-y-Coed, follow the A4086 towards Llanberis, passing dramatic mountain peaks and the shimmering Llyn Padarn. In spring, the valleys are painted with wildflowers, and the air is filled with the sound of rushing streams. Stop at Swallow Falls for a photo op and enjoy the crisp mountain air. 

Tip: Consider a scenic hike up to Cwm Idwal for panoramic views. 

Timing: Aim for early mornings to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. 

Car prep: Make sure your car is spring-ready by checking tyre pressure, topping up fluids, and cleaning windows. 

Picnic stops: Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. 

Weather awareness: Spring can be unpredictable, so pack a rain jacket just in case! 

News - 2025

Spring cleaning checklist for your car

What’s your driving personality?

Top scenic spring drives in the UK

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