INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Oct 8, 2024) – As Fall Car Care Month begins, it is time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves after a busy summer season. Whether you have tallied hundreds of miles on road trips, hit the trails with your ATV, or spent weekends on the water, fall is the perfect time to recover from summer travel and prepare for the months ahead. Lucas Oil, a trusted leader in automotive and equipment care, is here to help. With expert tips and premium products, drivers can keep their cars, boats, and equipment in peak condition – whether they plan to keep driving as the temperatures drop or store their vehicles for winter.
Summer driving can take a toll, and it’s important to address the wear and tear that comes with increased mileage, high temperatures, and varied road conditions. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, over 91% of summer trips in the U.S. are taken in personal vehicles, with the average long-distance road trip totaling around 568 miles round trip. After those miles of adventure, now is the perfect time to invest in your vehicle’s health, before the cold sets in.
If You Plan to Drive It:
For those planning on keeping their cars on the roads this fall, checking off these simple items will ensure smooth, reliable performance through the temperature changes:
- Clean it inside and out: Dirt, road salt, and grime can damage your car’s exterior and interior. Lucas Slick Mist Speed Wax and the all-new Lucas Slick Mist Ceramic Speed Wax provide long-lasting protection from dirt and debris. But cleaning shouldn’t stop there — your engine and fuel system need attention too. By adding Lucas Complete Engine Treatment, you can clean and lubricate the entire fuel system, improving performance and fuel efficiency while reducing harmful deposits. This all-in-one approach keeps your vehicle looking and running its best.
- Check the oil: Make sure your oil is fresh and clean, especially after the stress of summer driving. Adding Lucas Oil Low-Viscosity Stabilizer or Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer to your new oil will provide an extra layer of protection, reducing friction, wear, and improving cold-weather performance.
- Clean the fuel system: After a summer of wear, cleaning and restoring your car’s fuel system is essential. Lucas Oil Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner effectively removes the carbon buildup that can rob your vehicle of power and fuel efficiency, and adding it during your routine maintenance this fall will enhance engine performance and maximize your miles per gallon, ensuring your car runs smoothly all season long.
If You Plan to Store It:
For those putting their vehicles, motorcycles, boats, or equipment away for winter storage, Lucas Oil has specialized recommendations to prevent costly repairs and keep everything running like new come spring:
- Fuel system protection and stabilization: Before storage, add Lucas Fuel Stabilizer to your tank to prevent gasoline degradation and protect against harmful deposits in the fuel system. A partially filled fuel tank can lead to condensation, so be sure to fill it to 90% capacity.
- Battery maintenance: Disconnecting or placing your battery on a tender will ensure it’s ready when you take your vehicle out of storage. This simple step prevents power loss and extends battery life during months of inactivity.
- Engine protection: Even during storage, engine oil can break down, leading to dry starts or friction issues. Adding Lucas Oil Stabilizer reduces wear and helps the engine stay lubricated through its hibernation.
- Proper storage location: If possible, store vehicles indoors in a garage, shed, or barn to shield them from harsh weather. If outdoor storage is necessary, invest in a high-quality, waterproof cover to protect from moisture, dust, and dirt.
“Fall is the perfect time for vehicle owners to show their cars some love after the busy summer season, whether they are getting ready for more fall road trips or preparing for winter storage,” said Brandon Greene, Vice President of Customer Solutions for Lucas Oil. “Summer can be rough on vehicles, and the colder temperatures looming around the corner pose an even larger threat to these machines, drying out seals and gumming up fuel systems. Our goal at Lucas Oil is to address all these issues and design products scientifically formulated to enhance and extend engine health, stabilize fuel, and maintain peak performance. By taking proactive steps now, drivers can ensure their vehicles are ready for fall driving or winter storage, whatever the changing season brings.”
