5 Maintenance Areas Missed in Summer

Cabin Air Filter

The Cabin air filter is a common maintenance item that usually goes unnoticed and clogs up with debris, restricting the optimal flow of your car’s cabin climate control. Usually located behind the glove compartment, they’re generally not difficult to access and inspect/ replace. We suggest changing or cleaning every 6 months for best performance. Buildup of pollen, dust, insects and even leaves and tree debris can clog these and begin to affect the air quality. Have a look at yours today.

Door Jambs

Door jambs are the areas inside your door seals that contain the hinge mechanism and wiring harness for each door. They are regularly left dirty even after fully washing the exterior of the car. They get full of summer dust and pollen, and also old water spots and grime that builds up after washing. We suggest giving them a proper degrease and careful rinse each wash or two to keep them sparkling. See the article in our Spring 2023 Newsletter for this process in detail.

Wheel Barrels

The barrel of the wheel is the round inner part behind the front face and spokes, that revolves around the brake caliper. In our experience many do not pay attention to this area as it is harder to reach and properly clean. This means the face and spokes get all the attention, but the barrel gets left to accumulate brake dust, tar, grime and road chemicals. Over time this buildup will harden and begin to trap moisture against the wheel surface, causing corrosion to begin. This damage is usually irreversible depending on severity, so it make sense to regularly clean your barrels and calipers as well as the rest of the wheel. This removes brake dust and harmful deposits, and makes your wheel and brakes look deeper and bright. Follow our video above for the full step by step tutorial.

Engine Bays

Engine bays are another neglected area we see in the hotter months. They’re out of sight, out of mind, and unless an issue is present most don’t go under the hood. This is a perfect spot for all the dust and debris your grille sucks in to settle and build up. Dusty roads and gravel parking lots can make a mess. Vehicles sitting for long periods also attract pests under the hood, so a regular check and clean can help catch issues before they start. And, a dirty engine also runs hotter, so keeping it free of grease, grime and caked on dirt will keep it cooler in the hot demanding months when engine temps scream.

Sunroof

Sunroofs are a great way to enjoy some Summer weather while out driving. But they often get under maintained too, and much like a door jamb they can get nasty. The tracks that the glass and mechanism sit in accumulate debris and can clog up the drains which are essential for funnelling water away. If this water can’t drain, it will usually lead to a leak. Keeping this track clean and well lubricated will ensure many years of worry free operation.

The second area of a sunroof we see dirty is the underside of the glass, the interior side. Believe it or not, the sweat from our bodies and heads and condensation from our breath collects on the sunroof glass and leaves a grimy film. Open sunroofs will also introduce air that can leave a film on glass too. We know, it’s kind of gross. However, keeping it regularly cleaned will keep it clear and transparent and make for a more enjoyable interior. If you’re someone who leaves the sliding cover closed all the time, have a look next time you’re inside and see what the glass looks like.