LEARN WHAT STEPS WE'RE TAKING TO ADDRESS COVID-19 Service Stations Commercial Home Blog On the road Clean your vehicle after summer vacation Ultramar Blog On the road Clean your vehicle after summer vacation Aug. 24, 2021 Although your car maintenance may have fallen to the wayside this summer, September isn’t only about getting back-to-school ready. The ninth month of the year is when you fall back into your daily routine, so why not start by cleaning out your car? To help you get you back into the swing of things, we’ve put together a list of tips for your big cleanup and another list of picnic essentials. After all, what better way to reward yourself than with a nice meal in the park after cleaning your car? Post-vacation car maintenance Summer vacation has slowly come to an end and the back-to-school frenzy has begun. Therefore, it’s safe to say that your car is probably in desperate need of a major post-summer clean! To ensure you clean out every nook and cranny and pick up anything your passengers may have left behind, here are some tips for giving your vehicle a top-to-bottom clean. 1. Throw away any trash Even though summer vacation is meant to be relaxing, it can often feel as though you’re constantly on the run. During all the hustle and bustle, your vehicle’s storage compartments often turn into tiny trash bins. Take the time to empty every compartment, including those on the front and back doors as well as the glove compartment. Once you’ve finished cleaning the inside and outside of your vehicle, why not add a small trash can near the front passenger seat or in the middle of the backseat to prevent garbage from piling up? You can often find trash containers that are specially designed for cars. However, if you prefer not to clutter up your car with any more items, simply get into the habit of throwing away your garbage every time you use your car! 2. Vacuum everywhere Use your vacuum to clean up any leftover sand, pebbles and crumbs from summer snacks on the road. The slim suction nozzle is perfect for cleaning out any gunk from underneath and around the seats. Give your trunk a good vacuum while you’re at it! Make sure you also remove the rubber floor mats, shake them out and vacuum them off before putting them back in your vehicle. 3. Remove stubborn stains Scrub out any stubborn stains that may have soaked into your upholstery or dried onto your storage compartments over the summer. It’s safe to say we all have that one coffee stain that’s just become a part of the decor. Use a gentle disinfectant to wipe down the cup holders, dashboard, stereo and door handles and get rid of any dried-on food or drinks. If you have leather seats, take a cotton swab from your medicine cabinet and soak it with a milky-type makeup remover. Then, add a small drop of white vinegar. Gently rub the stain until it disappears. It’s as simple as that! If you have fabric seats, your best bet is to use a steam cleaner. It will ensure your seats thoroughly clean without having to scrub. The best part is you can also use it on your car's rubber floor mats and other fabric surfaces. 4. Clean the mirrors This isn’t necessarily a cleaning tip; however, it will save you a lot of trouble on the road when the temperatures inside and outside your vehicle are at opposite ends of the spectrum. As surprising as it may seem, shaving cream can actually prevent your windows from fogging up! Simply spread shaving cream all over your windows and then wipe it off using a dry cloth. This will immediately prevent fog from forming on your windows. However, be aware that you’ll need to repeat this step every time the fog threatens to creep in again! If you prefer a more traditional method, spray a gentle glass cleaner on all your car windows and mirrors and then wipe them clean with a microfibre cloth. You can finish off this step by hanging or clipping an air freshener to your rear-view mirror or air vents! 5. Terminer le grand ménage par une visite au lave-auto Head over to your nearest Ultramar gas station to pamper your car in an Ultrawash. After cleaning out the interior of your vehicle, it’s time to make the outside sparkle and shine. When you arrive at an Ultralave car wash, you’ll be able to choose from three different types of washes: Regular Plus Supreme They all provide a hot shampoo wash, a high-pressure rinse and a power dry. The Plus car wash also includes an undercarriage wash, while the Supreme includes a super wash, a triple foam polish, two high-pressure rinses and Rain-X spray. We encourage you to enjoy the last beautiful days of summer in your clean car! While you’re there, take the opportunity to check your tire pressure and reinflate them if necessary. Summer driving can take a toll on your tires! You would like Oct. 5, 2021 How to choose the right type of fuel for your vehicle Read more June 4, 2021 Our Ideas to Start Your Summer off Right Read more April 1, 2021 How to Make the Most of April Read more July 12, 2021 Tips for a Fun-Filled July Read more Nov. 23, 2020 Changing of the Seasons: How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for When the Cold Weather Hits Read more Jan. 21, 2021 Fun Winter Activities for the Whole Family Read more Jan. 24, 2020 Eight Unique Activities to Do This Winter Read more SERVICE STATIONS Corner Store Express Mart Ultrawash Car Wash Total Lubricants Gasoline Prices Service Stations Ultramax Journie Rewards Promotions Ultramar Cards Contact Us Blog Jobs offers Community Plan du site RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL CARDLOCK CUSTOMER SERVICE Want to contact our customer service? Contact us © Parkland Corporation 2021. All rights reserved Ultramar is a registered trademark of Valero Energy Inc, used under license.