With summer rapidly coming to a close, now is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the changing weather to come. After all, the autumn months can bring any combination of rain, hail, snow, and fluctuating temperatures that can have an impact on your vehicle. Read on to explore 5 helpful car maintenance tips that can help prepare your vehicle for the fall season ahead.
Ensure the Heater is Working
After using the air conditioner all summer, it’s advisable to check that your vehicle’s heater is working properly before the cold starts to set in. Possible causes of a failing car heater may include a damaged thermostat or lack of adequate coolant in the engine. It’s also possible there could be a leak in the system somewhere if the heater only blows cold air.
Check Tire Pressure
As it starts to get colder outside, your tires will likely lose some of their air pressure. Check the PSI threshold listed on the tires and add air as needed to meet the recommended amount. Remember, tires with inadequate air may struggle to maintain traction on rainy or icy roads and the deflated tires are far more likely to go flat on the road.
Inspect the Air Filter
The pollen, bugs, and dirt of summer driving can do a number on your vehicle’s air filter, so be sure to inspect it before the start of fall. You can find the air intake filter under the hood, usually encased in plastic. If it appears dark and covered with debris, it’s a good idea to replace it.
Don’t Forget about Fluid Levels
One of the most important car maintenance tips for fall is to pop the hood and check the amount of fluid in all the critical reservoirs including brake fluid, power steering, oil, coolant, and brake fluid. If any fluids appear abnormally low, top off the reservoir and check under the vehicle later to ensure there are no active leaks. If a fluid leak is detected, it’s important to have the issue addressed right away.
Check your Headlights, Blinkers, Brake Lights, and Hazard Lights
During the fall and winter months, days become shorter and nights become longer. This means your vehicle will likely spend much more time on the road in the dark once summer ends. To ensure safety while driving, take some time to double-check that all your vehicle’s lights are working properly.
Car Maintenance Tips & Beyond at Valley Automall
At Valley Automall, we have the knowledgeable personnel and resources needed to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the fall and winter months around the corner. We offer several different service specials to help you save more on critical maintenance with parts specials for all of your essential vehicle components. If you need help with fall car maintenance tips this year, visit Valley Automall for top-notch customer support you can depend on.