SCOTS drivers are being advised that toothbrushes, baby wipes and socks are some of the best tools to tidy their cars this May Day bank holiday weekend.
The team at online car leasing experts LeaseCar.uk has come up with cheap and clever hacks to help motorists keep the dirt away and bring back that showroom shine.
Top of the list is putting an old sock on the end of a plastic bottle to collect dust and debris from cup holders, which is likely to be far more effective than trying to scoop muck out with your hands.
Using a toothbrush is an easy way to dislodge dust stuck in air vents and on the dashboard, while polishing the dash with petroleum jelly can help give it a shine.
Keeping baby wipes on hand is vital if you often have kids in the car – cleaning up a mess straight away stops things from getting out of control.
A monthly spruce-up with an all-purpose carpet cleaner does a great job of keeping grime on the fabric upholstery at bay. Having a small bag in the car means there’s no reason for rubbish to be lingering in the vehicle.
Children in the back can often leave some unwanted marks on the passenger and driver seats. Buying kick mats is a good way of preventing any scuffs left by little ones.
Equally, if you tend to keep a lot of items in the car for work, for example, seat and boot organisers can make your vehicle tidier. Air fresheners – ones that clip to vents tend to last longer than paper-based versions – also make cars feel clean.
A LeaseCar.uk spokesperson said: “Cleaning a car doesn’t have to take up large amounts of time and you can stop grime building up with a few preventative methods.
“Being in a clean and tidy car can help drivers stay focussed, comfortable and improves road safety as motorists do not get distracted by their messy vehicle interiors.”
Meanwhile, with many hay fever sufferers expected to get behind the wheel this weekend, major Scottish car dealership Peter Vardy has some top travel tips.
Firstly, check the weather and pollen forecast – if the Met Office is predicting high pollen counts and you’re worried about your ability to drive, consider alternative travel plans or ask someone else to drive.
A diffuser with drops of oils such as lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus all have anti-inflammatory properties and can unblock stuffy noses to make journeys more pleasant.
If you don’t have an in-car diffuser, drop the oils on an old air freshener and hang it near your air conditioning vent to reap the same benefits. It’s also vital to ensure that any medication you take is non-drowsy and won’t affect your ability to drive.
Cleaning the cabin regularly will prevent the build-up of pollen that gets into the car, while keeping the windows closed is a common-sense measure.
GP and author Dr Sarah Brewer has been working with Euro Car Parts to provide advice on avoiding travel sickness, after a poll by the motoring outfit showed 54 per cent of people often experience it.
Key factors are to avoid greasy, fatty and spicy food, as well as alcohol, but not to travel on an empty stomach. Have a light meal about an hour before travelling and top yourself up with small, low-fat, non-acidic snacks on long journeys.
If possible, offer to be the motorist – drivers are less likely to suffer from travel sickness as they are concentrating on the outside.
If that isn’t an option, try to sit in the front seats, open the windows to get fresh air circulating, and keep your attention focussed on the distant horizon to reduce your sensory input.
To help children in the rear, use car seats to ensure they can sit high enough to see out of the window. Medication such as the antihistamine cinnarizine can also help.
And car finance firm Zuto has put together top tips about what you should keep on board for long journeys.
Remember to carry your driving licence, insurance details and a number for breakdown services, as well as the car handbook for any mishaps.
A first-aid kit with plasters and bandages is always a good idea in case of minor bumps or scratches – in or out of the car.
Pack water and snacks for your journey to avoid fatigue on the road, while sunglasses not only add a hint of optimism but can ensure your vision is not compromised.
Finally, before you set off, check your tyre pressures, oil levels and lights are all as they should be.
