Jump-start Spring Cleaning This Leap Day

It’s leap day 2024, in which we attempt to return our calendar system to its normally appointed schedule. It’s an illusion of a day in which any productivity should come as a bonus. With that in mind, why not use this leap day to get a jump on your inevitable spring cleaning checklist?

We’re three weeks away from the spring equinox, but the average temperature in Freehold is already settling into the 50’s. Even if you can’t muster enough enthusiasm to begin cleaning your home (again, understandable, as this is a fake day), cleaning your car is the perfect place to start.  

With these tips from Raceway Nissan of Freehold, you can start prepping your vehicle for the year ahead, using it as a spring-board to begin your normal spring cleaning ritual. Let’s start with your car’s exterior concerns and work our way inwards. 

Wipe the Slate Clean 

With the amount of wintery precipitation we got this year, chances are your windshield wipers got a good workout. After months spent grinding through layers of snow and ice, the start of spring is an ideal time to replace your blades.  

As the temperature rises, take notice of how your wipers are performing in heavy rainfall. If they’re leaving behind streaks on your windshield, that’s a sign it’s time for replacement blades. Fortunately, switching out your windshield blades is a simple task – one that our Parts Department can handle in no time. 

Dare to Tread 

The start of spring is also the perfect time to gage the condition of your tires. If you made the switch to winter or snow tires last year (well done!), it’s time to start thinking of transitioning back to summer tires. Additionally, measure your tires’ tread; if the current tread is less than a two-thirds of an inch, it’s also time for a replacement. Come explore your tire options at Raceway Nissan and enjoy a complimentary tire rotation. Together, we’ll find the wheels that make the most sense beneath your vehicle. 

If you won’t be changing tires, it’s important you get an air pressure reading as soon as possible. Chances are you weren’t motivated to do so during the winter, and tires run a greater risk of deflation during colder months. If you haven’t measured your air pressure since putting up the Christmas tree, don’t be surprised to find that the PSI dropped with the temperature. Refill your tires to their optimal PSI, typically found on the sticker inside the driver’s door. If you find you’re regularly getting low PSI readings, either look into new tires or consider purchasing a portable tire inflator.

Clean Cabin Fever 

Now that the weather is warming, it’s time to get back into your normal car wash routine. Ideally, you should wash your car or take it to get washed every other week. Wash your car at your earliest convenience, as Jersey tends to pre-treat its roads with salt. As a result, the corrosive winter gunk stuck to your car’s underside needs to be washed off as soon as possible to prevent potential damage.

If your preferred car wash offers vacuuming services, take advantage of it on every trip! Bottles, plastic wrap, paper receipts, and other debris can accumulate quickly during the lazy winter months. Make your car’s cabin hospitable again before setting off with friends on this year’s road trip adventure. 33 East Car Wash has five nearby locations, from Freehold up to Old Bridge – and they’ve got multiple vacuums ready for use. 

Take the Leap in 2024 

Spring cleaning is an annual task, but caring for your car should be a year-round responsibility. Whether you’re in Englishtown, Jackson, or any of our surrounding areas, our Service Center is here to get your vehicle set for the spring and beyond.

And what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than by changing vehicles? Celebrate the warmer weather by going off-road in the all-new 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Or contribute to the global spring cleaning effort by making the change to electric in the latest, all-electric Nissan Leaf. Regardless of how you plan on driving this year, we’ll put you on the road to productivity at Raceway Nissan of Freehold.