Spring cleaning isn't just for your home.

As winter fades and sunnier days approach (well, hopefully!), it’s time to give your car or van a makeover ready for the new season.

Nothing beats regular maintenance in making sure your vehicle is in great shape, and not only will these tips make it look great, it will also boost its longevity and functionality.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your wheels ready for the season ahead:

1. Wash the exterior

Start with the exterior, which might have picked up quite a lot of dirt and grime during the muddier months. Give it a thorough wash using a gentle soap appropriate for your vehicle, paying special attention to those harder to reach areas like the wheel wells which can be more susceptible to corrosion.

2. Wheels and tyres

The wheels and tyres probably pick up more dirt than any other part of you vehicle and, as with the exterior, pick up even more during the winter. Give them a good clean with an appropriate cleaner and apply tyre dressing if possible, which will not only add a shine but will protect against cracking in the long term.

3. Windows and mirrors

For optimal visibility after a grimy autumn and winter, clean both the interior and exterior windows and mirrors. It’s best to use a glass cleaner for the job, and a lint-free cloth will help avoid streaks and smudges for that crystal-clear effect.

4. Details of the interior

Remember all those takeaway bags you’ve been meaning to move from under the back seat? Now is the time for a ruthless declutter, removing all unnecessary items from your car or van. Besides the aesthetic reasons, you’ll have more space on the job and it could save you money on fuel by making the vehicle lighter. Next, vacuum the surfaces that can vacuumed – floors, seats, and anywhere dusty might be gathering – and if the seats are leather then add some conditioner to make sure they last for the long haul.

5. Dashboard and media consoles

It’s amazing how much dirt, not to mention fingerprints, build up in and around the driving area. To make it look as good as new, wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel and, if you’ve got one, media console. Use a microfiber cloth is possible and add a mild cleaner for that finishing touch.

6. Floor mats

As above, you might not look down at your feet that much when driving, but the floor mats can pick up a lot of grime over time. Take them out, give them a clean and, if needed, a good shampoo to shift those stains and smells. Make sure they’re dry before putting them back.

7. Air vents and filters

They might be easy to overlook, but those vents can pick up a lot of dust. You can use a soft brush or compressed air to blow away the cobwebs, while air filters will need checking and replacing if needed.

8. Under the bonnet

This step is only for those who feel confident opening up the bonnet – if in doubt, ask a professional before cleaning any sensitive areas of the engine bay – but it can get a bit greasy under there and a good clean might be needed. Use a soft brush and a degreaser to get things clean again and wait for them to dry out before turning the engine on.

9. Get organised with some finishing touches

Now that you’ve got the car looking sparkling again, don’t just throw all the old junk back in. Containers can be used to keep your van or car clutter free, and emergency supplies and other essentials that are left in the vehicle can be stored safely out of the way. The exterior can be given a coat of wax, and for that finishing touch an air freshener can be added inside – for any stronger, lingering smells, a bowl of baking soda should do the trick in absorbing them.