7 Fall Car Maintenance and Clean-Up Tips

Fall is coming, like it or not. The heat fades, the leaves turn, and life starts to get busy again.

After a summer full of road trips and fun, your car needs some care to get you and the family to all your fall activities. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Make sure your lights are working

Shorter days mean you’ll be using all your lights more frequently. Make sure headlights, taillights, flashers, blinkers, and brake lights are clean and working.

If any are dim or burned out, replace them right away.

2. Check fluid levels

Have your mechanic check all the fluid levels and top off any that are low. The change from summer to autumn is a good time to have your oil changed, but always go by the recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Remember your windshield washer fluid. Rainy fall days or nights can inhibit your visibility – especially on a grimy windshield.

3. Replace windshield wipers

Summer’s high temperatures can cause your wiper blades to warp or crack. For safety’s sake, replace them at the end of summer and roll into autumn with a fresh pair.

4. Clean and repair the windshield

Have any cracks or chips in your windshield taken care of now. Once the weather gets colder, they can spread and be a much harder issue to deal with.

Give your windshield a thorough cleaning, as well.

5. Have the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning inspected

You want to stay cool in the summer and warm in the cooler seasons, but your HVAC system is more important than simple heating and cooling. It’s crucial to have a fully-functioning defroster to keep your windshield clear.

6. Check the tires

Certain driving hazards are specific to fall.

For example, wet leaves on the road can cause skidding or sliding in the right circumstances. Keeping up with tire maintenance makes an accident less likely.

Also look at the tread-depth and watch for uneven wear, and proper inflation. Your trusted mech anic can check you r alignme nt, too.

7. Assemble an emergency kit

Summer or fall, you have to be prepared for a breakdown or an emergency.

Here’s what goes in your emergency kit:

• Blankets.
• Gloves.
• Tire chains (if you live in an area that gets a large amount of snow).
• Snacks.
• Water.
• Flashlight.

You never know when you’ll find yourself in need.

Go into fall with confidence

When you know your car has been well-maintained and all of your car’s systems are working properly, you don’t have to stress about getting stranded due to a breakdown.

Come to Conrad’s for all your fall car-care needs. We want to keep you safely on the road.

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