Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Cadillac in Peak Performance and Safety

Midwest winter weather can be a struggle-but we’re committed to keeping your vehicle in great condition, as well as keeping your vehicle safe for you and your loved ones! Follow these helpful tips from Patrick Cadillac for the winter months ahead!

• Battery: Batteries are susceptible to the cold and you risk the potential of failure if your battery is weak. Make sure to get it tested regularly, and if it’s older than three years, consider replacing it! The cold weather can be harsh-if you hear, or notice something off, make sure to get it into our service department for a diagnostic check!
• Fluids: Check and top off all your fluids-ensure your antifreeze has the correct 50:50 coolant-to-water ratio and fill your washer fluid with a formula rated for freezing temperatures.
• Belts and hoses: Inspect your belts and hoses, as the cold weather can make them brittle and prone to breakage. Give us a call-it’s always better to be safe if you’re not sure!
• Change your oil: Cold weather tends to thicken oil and reduce its ability to circulate through the engine properly. Keeping up with your regularly scheduled oil changes is super important. Some experts recommend using a thinner oil during the winter months, however, make sure to talk to your Patrick Cadillac service advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Tires and visibility 

• Tires: Low temperature means your tire pressure drops as well, make sure to regularly check them! For the winter, it’s imperative that your tire tread is good, especially with the snow and ice reducing stopping distance. Talk to your Cadillac service advisor to see what the right fit is for your vehicle.
• Wiper blades: Replace worn wiper blades for better visibility and, to prevent freezing, make sure your washer fluid is winter-specific.
• Lights: Ensure all your exterior lights are working. Shorter days and longer nights make proper lighting crucial for visibility.
• Heater and defroster: The heater and defroster are huge for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Your air conditioner needs to be functional as well to ensure proper defrost operation. If your windows are fogging up in the winter it’s important to get it checked out to ensure proper visibility and safety.
• Brakes: Have your brake pads inspected for wear, as stopping distances increase on icy roads. Talk with your service advisor on when and if your brake pads need to be replaced. The cold doesn’t wait, so make sure to talk to your Cadillac service advisor to see what the right fit is for your vehicle.

Emergency preparedness

• Emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and some non-perishable snacks. Make sure you are educated on how to jump start your vehicle if need be, as well. Getting stuck on a cold night with no backup plan is worst case scenario, so make sure you’re prepared!
• Clean up: Wash your car’s undercarriage to remove road salt, which can cause rust. Make sure to regularly go to a touchless car wash to ensure that the road salt doesn’t damage the paint or cause any rust to your vehicle!

As you prepare for the winter, take the time to ensure your Cadillac’s tires are ready to handle the icy roads, as well as the other maintenance is up to date on your vehicle. By following these maintenance tips, you can enhance your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. If you have any concerns about service, or if you’re not sure what your vehicle may need for the winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Patrick Cadillac’s service center. Stay safe out there!