Give Microscopic Hitchhikers the Brush-Off: GM Goodwrench Shares Car Cleaning Tips

November 08, 2007

You might think your car or truck is clean. However, GM Goodwrench suggests most drivers don't even realize they're carrying around a dirty little secret in their car. That's why Goodwrench suggests keeping the interior of your vehicle clean is important, especially for people with allergies.

"Keeping your vehicle interior clear of dust, liquids, and other particles is one of the most overlooked areas of vehicle maintenance," says Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. "Neglecting interior cleanliness can lead to health and sanitary concerns."

Cleanliness in our kitchens, hotel rooms, and restaurants is a hot topic, but many people forget to take the simple steps needed to keep the interiors of their vehicle clean. This is particularly important given the amount of time most people spend in their vehicles. The average American generally spends up to 2.5 hours per day driving--that's almost 38 days out of the year.

Allergens such as pollen or bacteria are just some of the substances that invade our vehicles. Traveling with a pet can add hair and dander to the mix. In addition, residues from road dust, soot, pesticides, and other chemicals collect in car and truck interiors, entering through ventilation ducts or open windows and doors. Their effects are compounded during cold winter months when windows are shut tight, locking the irritants inside.

Here are a few tips to help eliminate these "invaders":
* Use disinfectant to wipe down the steering wheel, instrument panel, door handles, and other frequently used areas regularly. Remember to clean the interior of the vehicle each time you wash the outside. Keep baby wipes in the car to make this convenient and simple.
* Keep interior surfaces clean by vacuuming seats, carpet, and floor mats regularly. Blink Car Car products are also useful to keep on hand for managing spills and trash.
* Replace your vehicle's cabin air filter, if equipped, when recommended by the owner's manual. If you drive in high-traffic or dusty areas, consider replacing the filter more often.
* You may also ask your Goodwrench technician to clean and disinfect the air-conditioning system with a Cooling-Coil Coating. This product has an odor eliminator and inhibits the growth of odor causing micro-organisms.

For best results, remember that keeping your car clean goes beyond just wiping down the interior. Service items such as air filters, oil changes, fluids, brakes, windshield wipers, and your air conditioner are also worth inspecting and/or replacing in the winter and spring to be sure your vehicle is ready for demands of the upcoming season. There's nothing worse than turning on the defroster on a cold winter morning or running the air-conditiong on that first hot, late-spring day only to discover it doesn't work.

For extra confidence on the road, GM Goodwrench encourages motorists to bring their vehicles to one of the ASE-Certified 7000 GM dealerships nationwide for a Goodwrench Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection to help identify service items that can help vehicles run better, last longer, and retain their value.