Valley Automall 702-570-2257 | Serving the Henderson Area
With temperatures finally cooling down, the autumn season is the perfect time to tackle a few important car maintenance chores. After all, the summer heat can do a number on any vehicle, so performing car care tasks now can help to prevent unpleasant surprises on the road over the winter months ahead. Read on to explore some critical car maintenance tips for the fall that will keep your vehicle in top working condition.
Refill Fluids
Pop the hood and double-check that all your fluid reservoirs are filled to the appropriate level. This includes brake fluid, power steering, transmission fluid, and engine oil. Fall is also an excellent time to refill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir if it was depleted over the summer. In addition, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle’s battery contains adequate deionized or distilled water.
Inspect the Battery
Aside from refilling the battery’s water reservoir, take a few moments to ensure the terminals are clean and all cables are properly connected. If there is a substantial amount of corrosion on the terminals, they may require cleaning with a wire brush and a simple water solution that contains baking soda.
Test the Heater
With cooler weather on the way, autumn is also a good time to check the functionality of your vehicle’s heating system. In some cases, low fluid levels in the radiator or coolant reservoir are to blame for a malfunctioning heater. If the heater fails to produce any warm air at all, it could be a sign that your heater core is going out.
Change Out the Air Filter
Throughout the summer months, your vehicle’s air intake filter can easily become clogged up with dirt, leaves, insects, and other debris. These obstructions can interfere with the flow of air to the engine which can undermine the vehicle’s performance. If the filter appears quite dirty, it’s probably best to buy a replacement.
Check Tire Pressure and Tread Wear
Temperature fluctuations are known to cause tire pressure to drop, so as autumn and winter approach, you’ll want to make sure each tire is inflated to the PSI listed on the side of the tire. It’s also important to check that there is adequate tread remaining on the tires to safely drive the vehicle in inclement weather or wet roads. When the tread depth begins to drop below 3 millimeters, it is probably time to replace the tires altogether.
At Valley Automall, you can rely on our professional team of car experts to provide guidance and support for all your car care needs. With our ongoing parts specials, you can save more of your hard-earned money on OEM components needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Meanwhile, our numerous service specials can lower the costs for common car care tasks like tire rotations, brake service, oil changes, and more.