Originally Published May 2020

When the economy tightened and social distancing measures were implemented nationwide during the coronavirus pandemic, many drivers took time to catch up on car maintenance.

Conducting car maintenance is essential if you’re using your car less. Performing essential car maintenance can be done in the comfort of your own home and at a fraction of the cost. We’ve outlined some tips for your downtime and ways to protect your car from future breakdowns.

Cleaning Your Car’s Interior

Many of us like to drink coffee on our way to work or eat something quick while running errands. Here is a tip to help remove those pesky stains that might result from this. For this car maintenance step, you will need a spray bottle, hot water, dish soap, a thick-bristle brush, and a vacuum.

• Mix hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle
• Spray down the seat
• Brush with a thick-bristle brush
• Suck the wet area with a vacuum
• Repeat until dirt or stain is removed.

Another option is to use a high-power carpet-cleaning machine. They are great at removing deep dirt that settles into carpet fibers and stubborn stains. The machine sprays the mat with a solution of water and cleaner and then sucks the dirt and grime into a reservoir. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards offer carpet cleaning machine rentals.

Cleaning Car Leather

Regularly cleaning the leather interior of your car can help avoid any headaches in the long run. Waiting may lead to lipstick, ink, and dye transfers from clothing or plastic shopping bags, which can become permanent if not handled.

Before applying any homemade or store-bought cleaning solution, we suggest vacuuming the seats first. Once all the dirt and debris are removed, begin cleaning by applying your preferred cleaning solution. Make sure to use a non-bleach-based solution, as it can damage the leather. If you do not have access to a commercial cleaning solution, here’s an alternative route:

• Mix warm water with liquid dish soap in a medium to large-sized bucket
• Use a 5:1 ratio of water to soap
• Wet a washcloth with your homemade solution and wipe down the desired section
• Make sure not to over-saturate the seat with the solution because that may stain the leather
• Wipe clean with a second damp towel
• Dry well with a dry towel

Make sure to read more about how to maintain your car when spring approaches.

Defogging Your Headlights

Have your headlights been looking a bit foggy? We’ve got a quick hack for you. All you’ll need is some toothpaste. Weird, right?

•  Use some toothpaste and rub it all over the plastic cover over your headlights.
•  Let it sit for a bit, then rinse with clean water and dry. This will remove the foggy glaze that covers them.

Replacing Your Air Filter

We recommend replacing your car’s air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can save yourself time and money by taking 10 minutes out of your day to do this, instead of paying a mechanic and losing your car for the day.

•  Find your filter under the hood of your car. It’s in a black rectangular box with metal clips on the side. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t see it when you lift the hood.
• Open up the casing and check how the air filter fits inside. Make a note of which way the filter faces.
• Remove the old air filter, and insert the new one exactly how the old one sat. Remember to close the metal clips when you’re done.

Checking Your Car’s Battery

A properly connected battery helps keep your car running smoothly. Only a few specks of crunchy white residue on the posts can prevent your car from starting. A visual check of your battery will indicate whether this process is needed. Keeping up with your battery is a vital form of car maintenance that you may have never done yourself, so give it a try now!

• Remove your battery terminals, which should be a reasonably straightforward process. Make sure you always remove the negative cable first. If they’re stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them loose.
• Generously apply the fluid to the posts, and clean vigorously with your wire brush. Rinse the cleaning liquid with a little water.
• Dry the posts with rags.
• Replace battery terminals.
• A dead battery can be one of the most frustrating car problems because it’s usually so simple to avoid trouble. Especially if you’ve had the same battery for a few years, pop your hood every few months and check it to see if it needs a quick cleaning.

Protect From Future Car Breakdowns

We’re committed to reducing the burden of unexpected repairs and keeping America on the road. The last thing we want you to worry about is a sudden car breakdown. An extended car warranty or vehicle service contract is an essential investment. Endurance pays the mechanic directly for both covered parts and labor, so you can spend more time relaxing than stressing.

If you’re interested in an Endurance vehicle protection plan, request a FREE quote. Our team is ready to find you the best coverage for your budget and needs.