Cologne – September 09, 2026 -- After weeks of beach trips and long highway drives, cars often need as much recovery as their passengers, according to the ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr, which has outlined a five-step routine to get vehicles clean and roadworthy again.
Unloading comes first, down to the smallest crumb
ACV advises drivers to fully empty the car and any roof box, checking the glove compartment, door pockets, and under seats where small items and food get overlooked. Roof boxes and bike racks that are no longer needed should be removed too, since the added weight and drag increase fuel or energy consumption. Mounting points should then be checked for damage.
Sand, sunscreen, and food residue demand a deep interior clean
Vacuuming removes sand and loose dirt, while a damp microfiber cloth handles light salt residue. Sunscreen stains or stubborn marks need material-appropriate cleaners, and leather seats may require dedicated leather care. Under-seat areas, door pockets, and cup holders deserve extra attention, as spoiled food in summer heat can cause odors and stains. Interior and exterior windows should also be cleaned to avoid glare from low sun or at night, and the car should be aired out until damp surfaces dry fully.
Insect residue and tree resin can damage paint if left too long
Bird droppings, insect remains, and tar spots should be soaked before gentle removal. Heavily soiled cars benefit from a thorough pre-wash to loosen grime before the main wash, and vehicles exposed to sea salt may need an underbody wash. On modern cars, radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors must stay free of residue to keep driver-assistance systems working properly.
Fluid levels and tire pressure need a post-trip reset
ACV recommends checking engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, and brake fluid levels, noting that unusually low brake fluid should be diagnosed at a workshop. Tire pressure adjusted for heavier holiday loads should be reset to normal driving levels once the car is unpacked. While the legal minimum tread depth for car tires is 1.6 millimeters, ACV recommends replacing tires well before that point -- at least 3 millimeters for summer tires and 4 millimeters for winter and all-season tires.
Freshly washed cars reveal scratches and stone chips more clearly
Paint damage reaching the metal can encourage rust and should be repaired promptly. Windshield chips can spread into larger cracks, so a specialist should assess whether repair or replacement is needed. Headlights, taillights, and wiper blades should also be checked, since worn wipers that streak or judder should be replaced.
ACV also warns against storing cleaning products in the car, as high summer temperatures inside a parked vehicle can cause sprays and cleaners to leak or degrade.