Every April, vehicle owners are reminded to focus on preventative maintenance during National Car Care Month. After a cold winter marked by salty roads, freezing temperatures and extended storage periods for seasonal equipment, spring is the ideal time to refresh, repair and protect your investments before the busy months ahead.
For a seamless transition into spring and summer, here are the top maintenance steps every enthusiast should follow.
1. Give engines the oil change they need
Replacing worn, dirty oil improves overall performance and protects against excessive wear. Consult your owner’s manual for the appropriate oil grade. While you’re at it, consider adding a bottle of fuel treatment or a stabilizer if your vehicle sat idle over winter.
2. Refresh your fuel system
Winter downtime can result in stagnant or degraded fuel. For owners of vehicles and equipment running ethanol-blended fuels — like some motorcycles or lawn mowers — an ethanol safeguard fuel conditioner with stabilizers can be an easy, pour-and-go solution that cleans fuel systems and protects against corrosion. This is especially beneficial when de-winterizing smaller engines or hot rods that have not been driven regularly over the colder months. For extra protection against harmful exhaust emissions, consider adding a fuel and exhaust system cleaner that can remove carbon deposits, improve catalytic converter efficiency and maintain overall performance in vehicles that have endured harsh winter conditions or prolonged storage.
3. Clean and protect exterior surfaces
Remove winter’s road salt, dirt and grime with a thorough wash. Then, restore luster and shine with a wax, ideal for quick touch-ups and ongoing protection. For tires, trim, and other exterior rubber or plastic surfaces, a tire trim and shine cleaner can help rejuvenate and shield them from cracking or fading.
4. Don’t forget the interior
Prolonged exposure to winter elements and temperature swings can degrade interior surfaces. Regular cleaning and conditioning help prevent cracking or fading, especially as temperatures rise. Certain interior detailers are formulated to wipe away dirt and restore the original finish to dashboards, door panels and more, leaving behind a fresh, protective layer.
5. Check tires, belts and hoses
Fluctuating winter temperatures can reduce tire pressure and cause belts or hoses to dry out or crack. For proper car care, ensure you have proper inflation levels, even tread wear and no obvious signs of damage on belts or hoses. For those hauling boats or other toys, also inspect trailer tires and wheel bearings to avoid problems on the road.
6. Battery care
Cold weather can diminish battery performance. If you notice slow starts or dim headlights, test the battery and clean corrosion from the terminals. A fully charged, well-maintained battery is critical for all vehicles, from daily drivers to weekend cruisers and everything in between.
7. Proper storage and preventive steps
Whether it’s your prized hot rod or your riding lawn mower, a little upfront care goes a long way. Always store equipment in a clean, dry space if possible, and use covers or tarps to keep out moisture and dust. Adding a stabilizer or conditioner to the final fill-up helps maintain fuel quality until your next ride or mow.
“National Car Care Month is really about taking a little time now so you can enjoy the ride later, without unexpected surprises, costly repairs or aggravating breakdowns,” said Morgan Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil. “Whether you’re prepping your everyday driver, revving up a motorcycle, de-winterizing a boat or firing up your lawn mower, taking proactive steps now ensures a worry-free season. And with products that are easy to use and actually work, Lucas Oil is here to help make taking care of your assets simple and affordable.”
