As the temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, preparing your car for the cooler months ahead is essential. Fall brings new driving conditions, from rain-slicked roads to early morning frost, so making sure your vehicle is ready will help keep you safe and ensure it runs smoothly. Here are some key steps to prepare your car for the fall season.
Check Your Tires
Tires are your vehicle’s first defense on wet and slippery roads. As fall approaches, inspect your tire tread for wear. If the tread is shallow, it’s time to replace them. A quick test is the “penny test”: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. Your tread depth is too low if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head.
Additionally, as temperatures drop, so does your tire pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure they are inflated to the recommended levels. Proper tire inflation improves fuel efficiency and ensures better grip on the road.
Inspect Your Brakes
Wet and slippery roads mean your brakes must be in top shape to avoid accidents. Listen for any squeaking or grinding noises that indicate worn-out brake pads. The good idea is to have a professional inspect your brake system before fall fully sets in, including pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels.
Replace Wiper Blades and Check Windshield Fluid
Fall often brings more rain, so ensuring good visibility is critical. Wiper blades can wear out over time, especially after summer heat and dust. If your wipers are streaking or squeaking, replace them with new ones.
Top up your windshield washer fluid and consider switching to a winter-grade fluid that can handle freezing temperatures. You’ll need a clear windshield for rainy days and foggy mornings.
Check Your Car Battery
As the weather cools, your car’s battery can be put under additional strain. Fall is the perfect time to check your battery’s health, ensuring it has enough charge to handle cold starts. Look for any signs of corrosion on the terminals and clean them if necessary. If your battery is older than three years, you should have it tested and possibly replaced.
Test Your Heater and Defroster
Before the chilly fall mornings arrive, test your car’s heater and defroster. A functioning defroster is essential to keep your windows clear of fog or frost, ensuring maximum visibility. If you notice weak airflow or no heat, it’s best to fix it before temperatures drop.
Check Fluids and Change Oil
As seasons change, checking your car’s fluids is a good idea. Start with the engine oil—regular oil changes help your engine run smoothly and efficiently. If you’re nearing your next oil change, consider switching to a lighter-weight oil for colder weather, as it flows more easily in lower temperatures.
Other fluids to check include transmission, power steering, and coolant. Your vehicle’s coolant (or antifreeze) should be at the proper level to prevent your engine from freezing in colder weather.
Inspect Lights and Signals
Fall brings shorter days and longer nights, meaning you’ll rely more on your headlights. Check that all your vehicle’s lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, are working properly. Clean any dirt or fogging from the light covers to ensure maximum visibility, and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to keep an emergency kit in your car. Your kit should include essentials like a flashlight, blanket, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, water, and non-perishable snacks. Also, add a small shovel, ice scraper, and some sand or cat litter to help with traction in icy conditions.
Clean and Protect Your Car’s Exterior
Leaves, sap, and dirt can accumulate on your car during fall, potentially damaging your paint. Give your car a good wash and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from moisture and debris. Pay special attention to cleaning your car’s undercarriage, as leaves and debris can get stuck there and cause rust.
Check Belts and Hoses
Cold weather can cause rubber belts and hoses to become brittle and crack. Inspect them for any signs of wear and replace any that look worn or damaged. This simple step can prevent a roadside breakdown when temperatures drop.
Conclusion
Prepping your car for fall is an important part of vehicle maintenance that will keep you safe on the road and prevent costly repairs down the line. By inspecting your tires, brakes, battery, fluids, and more, you’ll be ready to tackle the cooler weather with confidence.
Stay ahead of the season by visiting your local garage for a fall tune-up, ensuring your car is in peak condition to handle whatever the fall months may bring. Safe driving!
