Maintenance
Spring Detailing Checklist: Post-Winter Car Refresh Guide
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·5 min read

Spring is the perfect time to detail your car after winter. This checklist covers everything from salt removal to coating restoration for the new season.
Spring Detailing Checklist
The Bay Area's mild winters still leave their mark. Spring is the time to address accumulated grime and prepare for summer. Here's your complete checklist.
Exterior Decontamination
Remove winter buildup:
- Thorough hand wash (two bucket method)
- Wheel well and undercarriage rinse
- Clay bar treatment for bonded contaminants
- Tar and sap spot removal
- Iron fallout remover on wheels
Paint Assessment
Check for damage:
- New rock chips from winter debris
- Any chips penetrating to metal (rust risk)
- Swirl marks from winter washing
- Water spot etching
Address issues:
- Touch up chips before rust forms
- Schedule paint correction if needed
- Apply rust inhibitor to any exposed metal
Coating Revival
Refresh protection:
- Test water beading behavior
- Apply SiO2 booster spray or topper
- Coat glass surfaces
- Dress trim and plastics with UV protection
If coating is failing:
- Consider full recoat
- At minimum, apply quality sealant
Interior Deep Clean
Remove winter accumulation:
- Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly
- Extract floor mats (salt and debris)
- Wipe all hard surfaces
- Clean glass inside and out
- Air freshening (neutralize stale air)
- Condition leather (if applicable)
Glass Clarity
Restore visibility:
- Clean all exterior glass
- Interior glass wipe (film removal)
- Apply hydrophobic coating
- Inspect wiper blades
Mechanical Quick-Check
While you're at it:
- Check tire pressure (adjusts with temp)
- Inspect tire tread depth
- Top off washer fluid
- Check all lights function
- Look for fluid leaks
Protection Layer Inspection
Assess current protection:
| Component | Check For |
|---|---|
| Ceramic coating | Water beading, slickness |
| PPF | Lifting edges, yellowing |
| Window tint | Bubbling, fading |
Spring Detail Package Elements
Our spring refresh includes:
- Full exterior wash and clay
- Coating boost application
- Interior vacuum and wipe
- Glass cleaning all surfaces
- Tire dressing
- Air vent cleaning
Starting at $200 for sedans
Timing Is Right
Spring is ideal for detail work:
- Weather is mild (good for coating)
- Before heavy pollen season
- Long drying conditions
- Prep for summer driving
📞 Ready for spring? Book spring detail
Visit the Experts in Gilroy
Blackout Window Tinting is the Bay Area's premier choice for premium auto protection. Based in Gilroy at 610 Holloway Rd (behind Target), we've served the South County and Silicon Valley area for over three decades. Whether you're coming from Morgan Hill, Hollister, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, we're your trusted local source for professional window tint, PPF, and ceramic coating.
📞 Questions? Call us at 408-848-8468 or get a free quote online.
Related Content
- Spring Car Care Checklist
- Ceramic Coating Maintenance
- PPF Care Tips
- Services: Professional Detailing
Ready to Get Started?
Professional Detailing Services - Keep your vehicle looking its best. Get a free quote from Blackout Window Tinting.
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop or call (408) 848-8468

33+ years
The team at Blackout Window Tinting has been serving the Bay Area since 1993, providing premium window tinting and vehicle protection services.
Window TintingPPFCeramic CoatingVehicle Wraps

