The Fall Car Care Checklist
It’s that time of the year again. The leaves are turning orange and we’re starting to feel a slight chill in the air. It’s fall! After a long hot summer, it’s time to enjoy the cooling days and to prepare yourself, and your car, for the fall and the winter ahead.
Maintenance
As we enter the season it is recommended to take your car in for a checkup and regular maintenance. Your mechanic will change your oil, check for any problems and wear and tear with belts and hoses that need to be fixed, and fix any heating problems before you need to use your heating, and the same goes for your defrosters. Don’t forget to change your wipers, they will probably be dry after the summer, and refill the windshield washer.
Battery
You can’t tell if there are any problems with a car battery, so check for corrosion and make sure the battery is clean and tight. If your battery is around 3 or 4 years old you might consider replacing it before the cold weather comes, you don’t want to be caught in the cold with a dead battery.
Antifreeze
The temperatures are getting colder so it’s best to check the antifreeze in your car. It might have become diluted during the summer, so now is the time to check that everything is up to scratch and make sure that it’s suitable for the temperatures you’ll be driving in.
Tires
Do you remember the last time you changed your tires? During the colder months it’s very important to have a good set of tires, with good tread. If your tires are looking old with wear, it is time to replace them. Also, don’t forget to check tire pressure.
Brakes
It is especially important to make sure that your brakes are working properly when the temperatures start to drop, you never know when you’ll find yourself driving on a slippery, icy road. Check that emergency brake and make sure you’ve got adequate brake-pad life and non-warped rotors.
Prepare For The Cold Weather And For Emergencies
It’s always best to be prepared for anything when driving during the cold months. Make sure you have supplies in your car for any emergency situation, like warm blankets, gloves, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, and jumper cables.
Drive carefully and respect the weather. Have a fun fall!