Our Top Fall Car Maintenance Tips

As fall approaches, is your car ready for the change in weather? Seasonal changes affect vehicles in a variety of ways, from changes in tire pressure to thickening of fluids. What car maintenance should be done in the fall? Read on to learn about the most important things to check on your car this fall.

Fluids

Some of the most basic things to check on your car during the fall are the fluids. Your car has a variety of fluids that cool, lubricate and perform other important tasks to keep your vehicle running smoothly on the road. When the weather starts getting cooler, the change in temperature can affect your car’s vital fluids. Here are the main fluids you should check:

• Motor oil
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Coolant/antifreeze
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

Tires

Tires are one of the key components of any car. They not only affect your steering, but they also have an impact on your car’s braking ability and overall safety. When fall rolls around, take a good look at the condition of your tires and check tread depth at three points across the tire: the outer tread, center tread and inner tread. Any tread measuring a depth of 1/16” or less indicates that tire requires replacement immediately—continuing to drive on that tire is a safety hazard.

You also need to check the pressure of each tire, since changes in temperature can cause air in the tires to expand or contract. Fill the tires with air if the pressure’s too low. If the pressure is too high, use a socket screwdriver to press down on the valve stem core to release air from the tire.

Brakes

While you might have some time before the first snow falls, it’s important to have your brakes inspected during the fall, before any winter precipitation arrives. Your local mechanic will determine whether your brake pads are worn out or are in good condition. They’ll also take a look at your front brake discs. Getting a professional opinion, and replacing components when necessary, will give you peace of mind that your vehicle will be able to stop on a dime if the situation calls for it.

Heater

You likely haven’t run your car’s heater during the warm summer months. As winter approaches, you’re going to rely on your heater much more often. If you turn on your heater and notice it’s blowing cold air, there could be a variety of causes. The cooling system’s thermostat may be stuck open, or there may be a failure in the water pump or a clog in the heater core. Your local mechanic will be able to diagnose the cause and determine the best plan of action to get your heater working once again.

Now that you understand what car maintenance should be done in the fall, take action before cold temperatures and ice and snow arrive. Contact AMR Auto Repair & Towing to learn more about the steps you can take to properly prepare your car for the changing seasons.

Categorised in: Auto Maintenance

This post was written by Writer