The season that features one of America’s favorite pastimes, the family road trip, is just around the corner, and Lucas Oil has eight important tips for National Spring Car Care Month to make sure vehicles are ready to hit the road and deliver miles of memories and great times.
Car maintenance might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Many car care basics can be handled with minimal tools and without mechanical expertise. Like most things in life, an “ounce of protection” can go a long way. Lucas Oil presents these top eight tips all drivers should consider this month to get the family car adventure-ready.
- Tires and tire pressure: Even experienced mechanics can overlook tires, but all drivers should check for uneven and excessive wear, dry rotting, foreign objects, and most importantly, correct tire pressure. Well-maintained and inflated tires offer the best safety and fuel economy. Many tire shops are happy to perform free inspections and basic air pressure checks.
- Fuel system: Checking tires is crucial, but don’t overlook fuel system maintenance. April is the perfect time to pour in a bottle of market-leading fuel system cleaner to a full tank of gas or diesel for a deep cleaning of all critical fuel system components. Formulated to clean power-robbing carbon deposits, these products can revitalize a vehicle’s fuel system from the tank to the engine to ensure great performance. For ongoing care, use a reputable cylinder fuel treatment at fill-ups to further clean, lubricate and boost efficiency. These fuel treatments are easy to use. Just pour and go.
- Oil change: Another critical system is a vehicle’s lubrication system. It lubricates and protects internal engine parts which can suffer from dirty or low oil, leading to increased friction and wear. If a vehicle is between oil changes or in need of an oil change, adding a quart of oil stabilizer can help an engine run smoother, cooler and more efficiently. Oil stabilizers add a critical level of protection that eliminates dry starts, reduces oil consumption and more.
- Brakes: Speed is thrilling, but stopping is crucial. Brake systems go through a lot in various traffic situations, so if it’s been a while since they’ve been checked, feel different when braking or the vehicle wants to pull one direction or the other when brakes are pressed, it’s a good idea to get them inspected to make sure the pads, rotors, fluids and other components are in good shape.
- Fluids: Vehicle fluids like coolant, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and more all have important functions, and they are critical for proper operation. For basic car care, owners should refer to their owner’s manuals to understand how to check fluid levels and add where needed.
- Belts and hoses: Cars, trucks and SUVs all have a system of belts and hoses that drive essential components and carry fluids between different systems. Over time, these parts can wear out and fail suddenly, potentially leading to costly repairs. Regular visual checks for signs of cracking or dry rotting belts or swelling or leaking hoses can prevent breakdowns. These kinds of issues should be immediately addressed by a qualified professional.
- Air filter: Responsible for filtering dust and dirt from coming into an engine, air filters are also vital components. However, as they age, contaminants build up on the surface of the filter making it harder and harder for air to pass through which affects drivability and fuel economy. Air filters should be visually inspected, and if found to be dirty or past the recommended service life, they should be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
- Windshield wipers: Lastly, windshield wiper blades should be inspected for damage and excessive wear. Snow, sleet, ice and other winter elements cause havoc on wiper blades, so it’s a good idea to replace them when preparing for summer rainstorms to ensure good visibility in all conditions.
While these are some of the top things to consider, proper car care also includes all regularly scheduled maintenance, an inspection of a vehicle’s battery, all safety systems which includes seat belts, air bags and horn, exterior and interior lights and a windshield inspection for chips and cracks. Motorists preparing for road trips should also prepare a roadside emergency kit to be prepared for the unexpected like a flat tire. Something as simple as a can of tire inflator can inflate and seal a small leak allowing motorists to safely drive to a local tire shop for a repair.
“As an organization deeply rooted in family values, we take deep pride in ensuring the safety of all motorists. This isn’t just about Lucas Oil products, it’s also about empowering our community with the knowledge and skills to maintain their vehicles properly,” said Brandon Greene, vice president of customer solutions. “Our products help improve a vehicle’s reliability, and that is something we are very proud of at Lucas Oil. However, there are a lot of other simple things motorists can do to make sure their adventures are not hampered by untimely breakdowns. This is a great time for everyone to pause and take a closer look at their vehicles, and we are here as an educational resource with lots of great products to keep your car running its best all summer long.”
In addition to these tips, Lucas Oil and the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) created an instructive video series as a resource for car owners, “Lucas Oil In the Garage.” Hosted on YouTube, the “Lucas Oil in the Garage” video series is a comprehensive collection of how-to videos aimed at demystifying car care and maintenance. From simple oil changes to more complex tasks, the series empowers vehicle owners with the knowledge to keep their vehicles in top condition.
For more than 35 years, Lucas has set the world standard in superior engine oils, additives, appearance and lubricant products – powering lifestyles across the automotive, trucking, marine, outdoor, motorsports, industrial and home product worlds. The hard-charging American brand’s commitment to bring the ultimate in performance solutions impacts every customer and partner equally – from jointly-engineered oil for racing teams like Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Monster Jam®, sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, to additives that deliver unrivaled fuel economy, power and extended engine life to an everyday driver. Based in Indianapolis, the company’s rapidly expanding global footprint is highlighted by cutting-edge research and development operations, evolving retail channels and high-tech manufacturing. More than 300 premium products make up the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States with a distribution network across 48 different countries and big-name retailers that include Amazon, Walmart, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, Carquest and more. For more information, visit www.LucasOil.com and follow #TeamLucasOil on Facebook, Twitter, X, Instagram and TikTok.
