5 DIY Cadillac Repair Tips You’ll Love

A 2007 Cadillac may need up to $500 in repairs to run perfectly ten years later. Let’s face it, owning a luxury vehicle can be an expensive investment. Repairs and maintenance can add up, especially in older models.

Simple Cadillac repair work costs add up over time for any model, even newer ones. DIY (Do It Yourself) vehicle maintenance and repairs help to stop the small problems from becoming larger ones. These small repairs require minimal skill and simple tools (if any at all).

Of course, if the vehicle’s issue is a big enough problem, do not be afraid to take it to a shop. For 5 great DIY Cadillac maintenance and repair tips, read on.

1. Headlights and Taillights

Often, headlights and taillights can go unnoticed if they’re burnt out.

Before a police officer pulls you over, inspect your lights once a week. Turn the Cadillac on, and walk around the entire vehicle. Check if the lights are on and working, especially the license plate light bulb!

Light bulb replacements require a screwdriver with the appropriate head and a new bulb. The bulb can be matched with the other by a quick online search.

1. The first step is to open the hood of your Cadillac.
2. Then, look for the radiator cover and remove the six mounting screws. Take off the radiator cover. Next, remove the mounting bolts. Be sure to keep the screws in a secure location to not lose them.
3. Delicately pull the headlight out as to not drop it. Plug in the new bulb.
4. Reassemble the radiator cover.
5. After replacing the bulb, be sure to test it out. Once everything is working to standard, close the hood.

Taillights are just as simple, yet require work to be done near the trunk. Make sure the bulb is the matching one to the other side!

2. Exterior Scratches

Every car gets scratches, bumps, and dings. Luckily, there are some simple DIY tips to remove ugly looking scratches on your Cadillac.

Note that not all blemishes are the same, and should not be treated the same. Determine if the scratch extends below the surface of the paint and into the primer. If the scratch is deep enough, it will require professional body shop work.

For this simple DIY Cadillac repair, you will need to first wash and dry the panel where the scratch is. You will also need ultrafine 2000- to 3000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. The next steps to follow are:

1. Dip the sandpaper in a bowl of cold water, and reapply throughout the steps as needed. Adding dish soap to the paper can also help to improve the glide of the paper.
2. Sand the scratch area using light, short strokes. Alternate the angles while sanding out the scratch.
3. Dry the sanded area thoroughly and inspect it for any signs of the scratch. If you notice the scratch worsening or paint in the cold water, stop and contact a body shop.
4. Buff the area with rubbing compound, which can be done by hand with a terry cloth. Power buffers can also work. Buff the area in a circular motion.
5. Use a soft cloth to remove any of the coarse compounds. You may need to wash using water first!
6. Polish the area and seal it with some car wax.

3. Windshield Wiper Blades

One of the most simple fixes on any vehicle is the windshield wiper blades. Use over time causes the blades to wear out. If not replaced, the blades can deteriorate so low that the wiper metal will start scratching on your windshield every use.

To avoid this from happening, here is a quick step-by-step DIY Cadillac repair list to replace wiper blades:

1. Measure the wiper blade length or check the owner’s manual for the correct blade size.
2. Remove the old wiper. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield and depress the small tab on the underside of the wiper connected to the wiper arm. While the tab is pressed down, slide the wiper blade off the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper blade. You’ll hear a clicking sound when it locks into place. Then, lower the arm back down and repeat the process on the other wiper.
4. As always, test the blades to ensure they work properly.

Depending on where you live, the replacement of the blades may need to be done a few times per year. The more use, the quicker the blade wears down.

4. Air Filter

Clogged air filters can lead to multiple problems in a vehicle. Luckily, it is one of the easiest maintenance routines to do yourself.

For this DIY Cadillac repair, you will need to:

1. Search for a large plastic housing under your hood, usually along one of the sides. It may be held in with bolts, screws or even clips that can be detached by hand.
2. Pull out the old filter and slide the new one in, facing the same direction.
3. Replace the housing, making sure all the clips and screws are in place.

No mechanic or body shop needed. Plus, replacing the filters will leave your car’s air fresh and clean-smelling!

5. Spark Plugs

Most spark plugs need replacing after about 30,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual to see exactly when the recommended changing time is.

To completely change the spark plugs in your Cadillac:

1. Locate the plugs. The spark plugs are located at the engine end of these wires, under the plug covers that attach them. There may be four to eight, depending on your vehicle’s cylinders.
2. Remove the wire to the first spark plug only. Do not remove all of the wires at once. Your spark plugs are installed in a certain order, which you need to maintain.
3. Use a spark plug socket and extension on a ratchet to remove the first spark plug.
4. Install the new spark plug, screwing it in by hand at first and then tightening it with a wrench for a snug fit. Do not over-tighten.
5. Re-attach the spark plug wire.

Make sure you use the correct plugs for your vehicle’s particular model and year. Also, be sure that the vehicle is completely off when attempting this Cadillac repair.

Final Thoughts

There are various DIY Cadillac repair tips that can preserve your vehicle’s lifespan for years to come.

To fully understand the details of changing your Cadillac’s air filters and other parts, get your hands on a Cadillac repair manual.

And let us know below if you have any questions!

Would you like more info on changing air filters or other Cadillac maintenance tips? Browse through our site to find parts, vehicle manuals and tips on how to take care of any vehicle.

Tags: Cadillac