Vehicle Maintenance Checklist


A Cadillac rewards you with powerful performance, plenty of space for people or cargo, and luxurious amenities. The key to driving your vehicle for as long as you want without problems is to keep it well-maintained, as the factory-certified automotive technicians will advise you at Sport Cadillac, You can achieve that by using the following checklist.

Fill up the Levels.

Fluids such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid are essential to the smooth functioning of your vehicle. Every month or so, it's important to check the reservoirs of these and other liquids under the hood to ensure that they are filled to the proper levels. If you do not know where to find these containers or how to check the oil, you'll find the locations and instructions in your owner's manual.

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter prevents dirt and other particulates from flowing into your engine. Make sure that it is clear of any debris by replacing it according to the schedule mentioned in your owner's manual. When the air reaches your engine correctly, it minimizes emissions, increases fuel efficiency, and ensures that your engine lasts for the life of the car.

Look Below

Under the body of your vehicle, the wheels connect you to the road and propel you forward on your trips. Look at the tread depth by inserting a penny into one of the grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then your treads are too worn to be safe. Replace your tires immediately.

A built-in Tire Pressure Monitoring System can let you know if any of your tires are under-inflated. If your vehicle lacks this technology, you'll need to get a tire gauge at an auto parts store and use it to determine your air pressure. The recommended number is usually listed on the driver's side door jamb or in your owner's manual. If the air in your tires is below this recommendation, fill your tires at the nearest gas station. If you don’t, you may lose fuel efficiency and traction.

Flash the Lights

If you have a problem with your external lights, you usually can’t see them from behind the wheel. The only time you’ll know that there’s an issue is if someone points it out to you or a police officer stops you. Once a month or so, get a friend to sit in the driver’s seat and switch on the headlamps, activate the turn signals, step on the brakes, and make other external lights work. You can then walk around the exterior to ensure everything is functioning.

If a bulb is burned out, you can usually find an inexpensive replacement at an auto parts store and put it in yourself.

Prepare an Emergency Kit.

You may have Roadside Assistance or the Auto Club at your beck and call during a breakdown. But you still have to wait for them to reach your destination unless you go for help at the nearest gas station. Having an emergency kit can keep you safe and make the waiting time more pleasant.

You can put the following items in a box that you store in your trunk or in a backpack that you can carry with you in case you have to leave the vehicle:
  • Extra water and food.
  • Jumper cables
  • Small toolkit
  • Small first-aid kit.
  • Extra batteries and charger for your smartphone
  • Flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Duct tape
In the summer, you want to include sunblock, extra sunglasses, and a sun hat. In the winter, you can swap these out for an ice scraper, a snow brush, kitty litter, or sand for traction, blankets, and extra warm clothing.

Clean Your Vehicle

Cleaning your vehicle does more than making it look good. It can protect the exterior and interior finish from being damaged by liquids or natural elements. Start with the interior by emptying it and then giving everything a good vacuuming. You can use window cleaner to take care of the inside of the windshield, the back window, and the side windows.
You can then clean the exterior either at home or by taking it to a car wash. If you want to add extra protection, apply a coat of wax to the exterior.