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SUNNY DAYS...COOL NIGHTS...RAIN, SLEET & SNOW...
BE PREPARED FOR FALL EXTREMES WITH THESE SEASONAL MAINTENANCE TIPS
There’s nothing like an autumn drive, with the leaves turning under sapphire skies. Yet, rain, sleet and snow are all possibilities in fall. Brace yourself with these preventative maintenance tips:
Tires
- All-season radial tires are fine for fall driving. Give your tires the Quarter Test to confirm that the tread will sluice away the rain. Or, visit any Tire Warehouse for a free inspection and tire recommendations.
- Check the air in your tires, including the spare. As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure.
- When temperatures dip below 45 degrees, time to consider winter tires. Wait for snow pack if you prefer studded tires.
Scheduled Maintenance
- Keep on schedule with scheduled maintenance. In addition to changing the oil and other required tasks, have your auto technician check your vehicle from bumper to bumper—including fluid levels, belts, hoses, tires, and brakes—to ensure that your travels are safe no matter what the weather or where you drive.
Oil
- Chances are you put a lot of miles on your engine this summer. It’s time for oil change if it’s been 3,000 miles since the last one.
Anti-freeze
- Is your cooling system ready for freezing temperatures? Check the fluid level and condition.
Battery
- Confirm that the connections are tight and free from corrosion. If it’s more than three years old, it’s a good idea to test your battery to see how much life is left.
Heater, Defogger & Defroster
- To ensure your comfort and visibility, verify that your heater, windshield defogger, and rear window defroster are in good working order.
- Throughout leaf season, clear debris from your defogger’s air intake. Check at the base of the windscreen, or under the hood at the back of the engine compartment.
- Check, or have yoru auto technician check, the cabin filter(s). Replace if necessary. A dirty filter can cut airflow to your defroster/defogger.
Safety Equipment
- Before the fall downpours, check your wiper blades. Change if worn or more than six months old.
- A mix of precipitation reduces visibility. Test your headlights—high beams and low beams—taillights, fog lights (if you have them), and turn signals, to ensure that fellow drivers know your intentions.
- Time to put the ice scraper and snowbrush in your trunk. We know.
- Assemble a roadside emergency kit, including extra layers, gloves, hat, blanket, flashlight, traffic cones or flares, and sand, kitty litter, or traction mat.
» For even more great information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions section!