Summer is a time for road trips, tailgates, and day trips to the beach. However, before setting off, it is important to make sure your car is in top shape after the long winter. However, with this beautiful summer season comes heat and humidity, which can cause problems (and exacerbate existing issues) in your car if you haven’t taken the steps to maintain it properly.

The last thing you want is to be alongside the highway with a faulty battery or overheated engine. To make sure your car is road-trip ready, take a few minutes to give it these quick checks (you’ll be glad you did!):

Check your tires

With the temperature changing, your tire pressure may fluctuate. Tires with too low or too high pressure are more vulnerable to flats, blowouts, and accidents. To find out the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, review your owner’s manual. The pressure listed is always for a cold tire, so it’s best to check your pressure after your car has been sitting for a while. Tires filled to the correct pressure can even make your car more fuel efficient! If you’re planning any long road trips, you should also make sure that your tires haven’t endured too much wear. To check the tread, you can always use the old penny trick: Put a penny in one of your tire’s grooves – the top of Lincoln’s head should be covered by the tire. If it isn’t, your thread is too low!

Replace your windshield wipers

An unfortunate consequence of summer’s warm weather is frequent and spontaneous thunderstorms. To make sure you are prepared when the sky suddenly opens as you are driving home from work, it is best to have fresh windshield wipers. Old windshield wipers leave blurry streaks on your windshield that restrict visibility and inhibit your safety. Also, cold weather can cause your windshield wipers to crack or tear. If you haven’t changed your wipers in a while, now is the time!

Clean your battery

A car battery can die at any time of the year, but heat shortens battery life by overcharging it and causing battery fluid to evaporate. Grime and corrosion that cover a dirty battery can retain heat, acting as an insulator and shortening your battery’s life even quicker. To maximize the efficiency of your battery, clean it regularly and thoroughly. When your car is cold, detach the battery cables and wipe down its terminals. Scrape off any corrosion or dirt that covers your battery. When you place it back in the car, make sure that all connections are secure and that the battery is strapped down tightly. Lastly, remember to avoid any contact with battery fluid! To ensure your protection, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Maintain your air conditioning

One of the most important components of your car during the sultry summer months is, of course, your air conditioning. If you’ve ever been in a car with a broken air conditioning in the middle of July, you know that your AC is worth taking care of! With the ice and snow supplied by this past winter, denser dust particles could have gotten into your air filter. Air filters are relatively cheap and easy to replace, so you it is best to check and see if you need a new one. The most common problem for ACs is a low level of refrigerant, most often caused by a leak. Since you weren’t using your AC too much during the winter, you may want to check your refrigerant level to make sure it will last you the entire summer!

Check  your coolant and radiator

A common and stressful problem seen most often during the summer months is a car breakdown due to overheating. Sitting in traffic on a hot day with a low level of coolant is a quick way to overheat your engine. New coolant usually only needs to be added every couple years, but it doesn’t hurt to check each year to be on the safe side. If you do need to refill coolant, remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine is completely cooled! If you see a puddle of antifreeze underneath your car, you should have this fixed immediately. It can be hard to tell how severe the leak is, and you do not want your car unexpectedly overheating. Your radiator also only needs to be flushed every couple years to clean out debris, but if you think your car is having issues overheating, it’s best to get your hoses, clamps. and belts checked by a professional.

We hope that this list will help you reach your destination throughout this warm summer! If you need help with anything related to your car, please stop by Thompson Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Raleigh and let our skilled mechanics handle everything. You can make an appointment online, or give us a call today at (855) 825-4662! We service all makes and models.

One of the most important parts of car maintenance is making sure that you always have enough oil needed to keep your vehicle running. What does that oil do? For starters, it keeps the internal parts of your car’s engine lubricated and cool. It also keeps parts from grinding against each other, which could cause damage over time. It plays a vital role in the long-term lifespan of your vehicle, so regular oil monitoring is important.

How do you know when to change the oil in my car? As a vehicle owner, you may find yourself asking this question once or twice a year. Fortunately, there are a few clues that indicate you’re due for an oil change. Learn more below!

4 Ways to Know If Your Car Needs New Oil

1. It’s been 3,000 miles since your last oil change. A good rule of thumb, though not always needed for brand new cars, is to change your oil every 3,000 miles. The last place you had your oil changed will often leave you with some sort of indication of when you will need to change your oil next, but you should also get into the habit of keeping up with it on your own. Speak with your mechanic about how long is recommended for your vehicle to go between oil changes, and set a reminder in your phone to check your mileage in a few months to see how close you’re getting.
2. Your engine is noisy or jumpy. Because oil lubricates your engine and helps things underneath the hood run smoothly, when the oil is low or dirty parts of your engine may start grinding against each other, causing noises you may not usually hear. It may seem a little bit shaky at start, too.
3. Your oil has turned black. If you pop open the hood and take a look at your oil, it may appear black and/or gritty when it’s overdue for a change. When oil is first placed in your engine, it is a honey brown color, but as it works to filter any unwanted particles out of your engine, it becomes darker with a gritty texture.
4. Your “Check Engine” Light (or “Check Oil” light) comes on. When the “Check Engine” light comes on in your car, it can be a good indicator that you’re past due for an oil change. Some newer cars may come equipped with an oil-specific light that will come on when it’s time for a change. If you see either of these lights, give your oil a quick check. If it looks dark and/or low in level, that may be what’s prompting the warning message.

Why is it Important to Change the Oil in My Car?

According to Mobil, “motor oil probably handles more tasks within an engine than any other component, fluid or material.” Oil helps keep your engine protected and running smooth by lubricating the moving parts. Additionally, oil filters out any unwanted debris that may get into your engine, and also helps cool critical parts of your engine by transferring the heat away from it.

Changing your oil is important for many reasons, and doing so regularly can help keep your car running smoother, for longer. At Thompson Buick-GMC-Cadillac, we encourage our customers to keep track of their oil changes, and ensure they take good care of their engines. Is your car overdue for an oil change, or any other type of regular service? Stop by Thompson Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Raleigh and let our skilled mechanics handle everything. You can make an appointment online, or give us a call today at (855) 825-4662! We service all makes and models.

Winter is winding down and the changing of the seasons is so close, we can almost feel it. Do you have spring cleaning plans already underway? Make sure you don’t leave your car off your list.

Between ice, snow, salt on the roads and general vehicle neglect due to the less-than-comfortable temperatures, winter can really wreak havoc on your car. Want to start your spring off the right way? One afternoon, carve out a few hours and give your vehicle the TLC it needs. You’ll enjoy the cleanliness – and you could also add years to the life of your car’s paint and body. Read on for more!

4 Ways to Prep Your Car for Spring

Take out the trash.
In the colder months, things tend to accumulate in your car (especially while you’re keeping time outdoors to a minimum). Grab a garbage bag and throw away any trash that’s lingering, and bring in any other clutter that’s taking up unnecessary space. Keep only the essentials!

Clean the carpets and upholstery.
You may not have realized it at the time, but when all the winter weather hit, you were likely tracking trace amounts of dirt, salt and debris into the car with you every time you got in. Plus, little messes accumulate during your day-to-day commutes. Roll your sleeves up and give your interiors a good scrubbing – you may be surprised how fresh looks.

Clear out your trunk.
Hauling around winter gear and other various items you have no intention of using anytime soon won’t do anything but lower your fuel economy. Pop open your trunk and really go through what’s in there – weeding out the stuff you won’t need for a while and leaving the essentials, like your spare, jumper cables, etc.

Give the outside a rinse.
A clean interior loses impact if your car’s exterior is filthy. Spray the under-carriage to remove salt build-up. Wash with a soap that’s specifically made for cars. Clean all the nooks and crannies (like the door jambs) and dry with a soft cloth. Bonus: Not only will your car look shiny and clean, a fresh washing can also increase the longevity of your car’s paint and body.

And that’s it! Dedicate just a few hours to the job and your car will look and feel like new – just in time for a spring road trip. What are your favorite car care tips? Share with us in the comments below!

If your vehicle is in need of a post-winter tune-up, contact the skilled mechanics at Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac. We handle a range of service repairs, including brake replacements, transmission service, oil changes and safety inspections.

It’s been a tough winter for Raleigh residents. Snow, ice, freezing rain, slush…we’ve seen just about everything a bad winter can bring to us. And while many of us may have thoroughly prepared our cars for the winter weather that’s been predicted, caring for our vehicles after the weather has hit is another story completely.

Tough, cold winter weather can wreak havoc on our cars, and it might not all be noticeable from the exterior. Now that the last big storm has passed, and we’re hopefully in the clear for warmer weather for a bit here in Raleigh, it’s time to care for our cars the way they deserve to be cared for. Post-winter weather care can be just as important as preventative care.

Get A Car Wash

Perhaps the most obvious post-winter car care tip is to take your vehicle to a reputable car wash to remove the salt buildup on the exterior. The salt that gets put down on the roads to help melt snow and ice can cause corrosion to your car’s underbody and even work its way through your paint job on the entire vehicle.

Get an exterior wash, and make sure you also have an underbody wash done. Check for any signs of rusting or corrosion, and make sure all salt buildup has been cleared from every exterior surface of your car.

Check Your Tire Pressure

The colder temperatures are likely to bring changes in your tire pressure. While many cars have gauges and lights to notify drivers of a change in tire pressure, not all do. As a precaution, after temperatures dip significantly, be sure to check the pressure on your tires and refill the air as necessary.

The cold air causes the air in tires to condense, resulting in lowered pressure. Be aware that this change can occur with any dip in temperatures, and make sure you are regularly checking and filling your tires to their recommended levels.

Change Out Snow Tires

Many people in preparing for snow and bad weather will put special snow tires on their cars that have extra traction. The problem with leaving these tires on your car for too long after it’s necessary, though, is that they can wear down not only the roads (the additional tracking on snow tires often come from small protruding spikes on the tires themselves), but they can also cause problems on your car.

It’s best to change out your snow tires as soon as warmer weather is predicted to continue. Switch back to your normal tires and keep the expensive snow tires safely stored for next winter.

Check Your Battery

After cold weather has passed, be sure you check the status of your battery. Cars not starting is one of the top problems you face when traveling in the winter, so post-winter battery care is important to keep your car running into the spring!

Take your vehicle to a maintenance center that you trust and have them check to make sure your battery is charging and working properly.

Replace Wiper Blades

The rubber on your windshield wiper blades can take a beating with all of the snow and ice they’re forced to remove from your windshield throughout the winter. Plus, the slush that’s kicked up from the road that lands on your windshield can corrode the rubber the same way it corrodes the paint on your car.

At the first signs of spring, check and have your windshield wipers replaced to ensure maximum visibility throughout the warmer (and often rainier) months.

Check Your Fluids

Winter weather makes your car have to work harder just to run correctly. That means your fluid levels go down much faster than usual. Some drivers even switch out the oil in their vehicles to thinner weights, so as soon as the temperatures start to warm back up, be sure to replace the thinner oil with a normal weight oil.

Have your mechanic check all fluid levels throughout your car to make sure they haven’t run too low throughout the winter. If they have, refill them to the normal recommended amount.

Clean Your Interiors

The interior of your car can take just as much of a beating as the exterior during the winter. All of the salt and slush that sticks to your shoes and boots gets tracked into your car and builds up on the mats and carpets.

Give the interior of your vehicle a thorough detailing after the winter weather has passed to keep up the quality of the fabrics inside the car.

With winter weather finally behind us, now is the perfect time to redeem the beauty and efficiency of your car. Remember that the winter weather can be tough on your vehicle, so care for it the way it needs. At Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac, our experts can assist you with any car maintenance needs you may have. So call our experts today – your car will thank you for it!

The New Year is only days away — what resolutions will you be making for 2014? If resolving to stay on top of your car’s maintenance isn’t up there on your list, perhaps it should be.

With each drive you take, your car will endure some amount of wear and tear. To maximize the lifetime of your car (and to offset this damage as much as possible), it’s important to remain vigilant about regular vehicle upkeep — taking both proactive and reactive measures in a timely fashion. Looking for a little inspiration? Try making these five simple resolutions, which can help keep your vehicle looking and running like new.

1. Keep your car clean on the outside AND the inside. By routinely washing the exterior of your car, you’ll not only enjoy a shiny, attractive look now, you’ll also increase the odds that your car continues looking great in the long-term. When you allow excess dirt, mud and more to linger on the outside of your vehicle, you may begin seeing abrasions and paint damage build up over time. The same goes for your interiors — taking a few minutes to wipe down the upholstery and vacuum the flooring each week can help maximize the lifespan of your seats, carpeting and other surfaces.
2. Take your car in for periodic “check-ups.” Over the course of the year, frequent use of your car can cause wear and tear damage to your tires, engine and more. If left un-attended, that damage can gradually build, possibly causing a larger problem down the road. Resolve to bring your car to a mechanic at least twice in the new year — consider it your car’s annual physical.
3. Check your oil before going on any road trip. You know you need to have your oil changed every few thousand miles, and you likely have a ballpark estimate for when that time will come. But if you’re going on a road trip that involves driving a few hundred miles or more, you may expedite that time without realizing it. The last thing you want to do is take a long trip when your oil levels are low, so get in the habit of giving yours just give yours a quick check before heading out. Your diligence here can really make a difference in the longevity of your engine.
4. Monitor your tire thread. When your tires wear unevenly for an extended period of time, it can put undue stress on your suspension and more. Your tires may appear “healthy,” but they’re whittling down more and more with each trip you take, and those final 32nds of an inch are critical. Every few months, conduct the penny test to see how your tires are faring — just place an upside-down penny into several grooves of your tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the thread, you have more than 2/32″ of thread. Repeat on each tire.
5. Get that weird noise checked out as soon as you first discover it. One major mistake many car-owners are guilty of: Putting off diagnostic inspections or repairs until the last minute. Car trouble is never convenient, but it can be even more inconvenient if a small issue morphs into a larger problem, simply because you waited too long to have the initial problem diagnosed and fixed. By bringing your car in sooner rather than later, you can fix whatever’s wrong before it damages other parts of your car — and you’ll have more peace of mind, too.

By staying on top of your car’s maintenance, you can keep your car in tip-top condition throughout 2014 and beyond. From the entire staff at Raleigh’s Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac, we wish you a safe and happy new year!