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 – along with expert-recommended Lucas Oil products to optimize performance:
- 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 Lucas Fuel Treatment or a stabilizer like our Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer if your vehicle sat idle over winter.
- 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 – Lucas Oil’s Ethanol Safeguard Fuel Conditioner with Stabilizers is 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 Lucas Oil Emissions Clear, which is specifically formulated to remove carbon deposits, improve catalytic converter efficiency, and maintain overall performance in vehicles that have endured harsh winter conditions or prolonged storage.
- Clean and Protect Exterior Surfaces
Remove winter’s road salt, dirt, and grime with a thorough wash. Then, restore luster and shine with Lucas Oil Slick Mist® Speed Wax, ideal for quick touch-ups and ongoing protection. For tires, trim, and other exterior rubber or plastic surfaces, Slick Mist® Tire and Trim Shine helps rejuvenate and shield them from cracking or fading.
- 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. Slick Mist® Interior Detailer is formulated to wipe away dirt and restore the original finish to dashboards, door panels, and more, leaving behind a fresh, protective layer.
- Check Tires, Belts, and Hoses
Fluctuating winter temperatures can reduce tire pressure and cause belts or hoses to dry out or crack. 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.
- 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.
- 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.”
About Lucas Oil
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 additional information, visit www.LucasOil.com and follow #TeamLucasOil on Facebook, Twitter, X, Instagram and TikTok.
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