Tips for Preparing Your Car for Spring
Finally, winter’s behind us, and spring is here. If you’re already thinking about a summer road trip and you’re in the market for either a new or used Cadillac in Lockport, we hope you’ll come see us at Hawk Cadillac where we always have a great inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.
Whatever you’re driving, you need to get your vehicle ready for the months ahead, and here are some areas of your vehicle that will need some spring-prep attention.
Undercarriage
During a Chicagoland winter you’re driving through slush, snow and deicing treatment, often including a lot of salt. Left on your undercarriage, that accumulation of gunk can lead to corrosion and serious damage to your vehicle. IF you have a sturdy jack you can wash away a lot of it yourself simply using a garden hose and water, or alternatively, you can go to a car wash and pay a little extra to have your undercarriage power washed.
Engine Block
Open the hood and use a washing mitt and warm, soapy water to clean the engine block, clearing away any leaves or other debris that got under the hood.
Windshield Wipers
You might try cleaning your wipers with a soft cloth and cleaning chemical, but if there’re still streaking when used, you should replace them. Generally, windshield wipers need to be replaced about every six months.
Brakes
Winter driving can take a heavy toll on your brakes. Thinks like ice and road salt can interfere with the operation of your brakes, so listen for any strange noises coming from your brakes when used. If that happens, you need to get them professionally checked and serviced.
Tires
If you installed snow tires for the winter, it’s time to change them out. Snow tires are not designed to handle springtime conditions, and will wear down faster if you leave them on year round. Also, make sure you maintain tire pressure at the manufacturer’s suggested level. Under inflation contributes to wear and reduces gas mileage by about 3%. Over inflation causes wear at the center of the tire, leading to replacement sooner than normally needed.
Oil and Engine Coolant
With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to drain your winter oil, replacing it with a heavier viscosity oil that will improve spring and summer performance. At the same time, make sure your engine coolant is the standard 50/50, water/coolant mix. If it’s been two years since you had your coolant system flushed, now is a good time to get it done.
Battery
Check your battery contacts, and if there is a white, corrosive buildup, you should clean them. Use a stiff toothbrush and a water/baking soda mix to remove the corrosion, and have your mechanic check the battery to make sure it can still hold a charge.
All that done, you’re ready for springtime driving, and when you’re ready for a new or used Cadillac in Lockport, come see us at Hawk Cadillac.
Whatever you’re driving, you need to get your vehicle ready for the months ahead, and here are some areas of your vehicle that will need some spring-prep attention.
Undercarriage
During a Chicagoland winter you’re driving through slush, snow and deicing treatment, often including a lot of salt. Left on your undercarriage, that accumulation of gunk can lead to corrosion and serious damage to your vehicle. IF you have a sturdy jack you can wash away a lot of it yourself simply using a garden hose and water, or alternatively, you can go to a car wash and pay a little extra to have your undercarriage power washed.
Engine Block
Open the hood and use a washing mitt and warm, soapy water to clean the engine block, clearing away any leaves or other debris that got under the hood.
Windshield Wipers
You might try cleaning your wipers with a soft cloth and cleaning chemical, but if there’re still streaking when used, you should replace them. Generally, windshield wipers need to be replaced about every six months.
Brakes
Winter driving can take a heavy toll on your brakes. Thinks like ice and road salt can interfere with the operation of your brakes, so listen for any strange noises coming from your brakes when used. If that happens, you need to get them professionally checked and serviced.
Tires
If you installed snow tires for the winter, it’s time to change them out. Snow tires are not designed to handle springtime conditions, and will wear down faster if you leave them on year round. Also, make sure you maintain tire pressure at the manufacturer’s suggested level. Under inflation contributes to wear and reduces gas mileage by about 3%. Over inflation causes wear at the center of the tire, leading to replacement sooner than normally needed.
Oil and Engine Coolant
With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to drain your winter oil, replacing it with a heavier viscosity oil that will improve spring and summer performance. At the same time, make sure your engine coolant is the standard 50/50, water/coolant mix. If it’s been two years since you had your coolant system flushed, now is a good time to get it done.
Battery
Check your battery contacts, and if there is a white, corrosive buildup, you should clean them. Use a stiff toothbrush and a water/baking soda mix to remove the corrosion, and have your mechanic check the battery to make sure it can still hold a charge.
All that done, you’re ready for springtime driving, and when you’re ready for a new or used Cadillac in Lockport, come see us at Hawk Cadillac.