How to Take Care of Your Car During Fall

Fall is a delightful time of year but often a busy one. There are kids to get ready for school, leaves to rake, and the holidays to prepare for. With all of the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget that your car needs some attention to make sure it’s prepared for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

(Pixabay / Simone_ph)

When fall starts, it’s good to check some critical systems in your car to make sure they are ready to take on the weather that may come during the fall and winter. Here are some essential items that need to be inspected before the height of the season:

• Tires — It’s important to check your tires during the whole year, but it’s especially critical to check them before the arrival of fall and winter. Slippery road conditions can be treacherous for tires with worn out tread or bald spots. Check to make sure your tread and tire pressure are good. Also, take your car into the shop to have your tires rotated and realigned.
• Heating and cooling system — Coming off of summer, you’ve probably only been using the air conditioning for the last few months. Before the weather turns too cold, be sure to test and make sure that your car’s heater is running well.
• Brakes — With winter approaching, the last thing you want is for your brakes to fail on a slippery road. Take your car into your preferred auto repair shop. Have them check your braking systems, make sure that your vehicle has enough brake fluid, and ensure that there is not too much wear on your brake pads, rotors, or drums.
• Battery — Cold weather can be especially harsh on your car’s battery. Before it gets too cold outside, have your battery and charging system checked for any signs of corrosion.
• Lights — Make sure you check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, fog lights and hi-beams to ensure that they work before you start losing too much daylight during the winter months. Also, if your lenses are foggy, be sure to remove and clean them so your lights are brighter on the road.
• Windshield wiper blades, defrosters — When you’re on the road, it’s crucial that you have good visibility, especially when it’s wet or icy. Make sure that your windshield wiper blades are inspected and then replaced if they are worn out. Check to make sure your defrosters are working fine and that you have non-freezing windshield wiper fluid in your car.

Checking these essential systems in your car won’t only help keep you and your family safe, but will also increase the safety of everyone on the road with you.

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Infographic

Fall and winter seasons require much effort from car owners because they have to check and maintain its lights, battery, tires, windshields and heating and cooling system more than other seasons in a year. Roads can be slippery, the temperature could drop down that may harm your systems. Follow the tips on this infographic so you can overcome the challenges of fall and winter season.