Basic automotive care goes a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of a vehicle. Whether you choose to do it yourself or visit a trusted and certified technician, we recommend taking care of these ten essential maintenance steps to help make sure your car, SUV, or truck is operating at its best before winter comes. Fall Car Care Month in October is the best of the best times to give your vehicle some extra love and attention before the harsh winter weather sets in. Taking a little bit of time for car care now can help you avoid the headaches and a pain in your wallet later on. Here are our top 10 items that should be inspected for fall car care month:
- Check all of your essential fluids. Your vehicle lives off of major fluids including engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Make sure these are topped off to save you time later.
- Check all hoses and belts (timing, serpentine, etc.) to make sure they are not cracked, crumbly, frayed, loose, or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check the car battery and replace your battery if necessary. The terminals on the battery should be clean and free of corrosion.
- Check the braking system. In addition to your brake pads, check your brake linings, rotors, and drums too!
- Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damages, and broken supports or hangers. Exhaust system problems usually produce an unusual sound of sorts. Leaks can be dangerous and must be addressed and fixed ASAP.
- Check the engine to make sure it is providing an even balance of power and fuel economy.
- Check the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as adequate airflow is necessary for cabin comfort and safety purposes, such as defrosting your windows in the colder weather.
- Inspect the steering and suspension system to ensure you are getting the best handling and control when you're on the road. You'll need this to manage your vehicle through icy roads in the upcoming winter.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and wear patterns. Uneven tread wear may mean that you need a wheel alignment soon.
- Check the windshield and lighting so that you can see and be seen in inclement weather.
If you need a complete automotive inspection, please reach out to our team at Complete Automotive Repair Specialists, LLC. We are happy to assist you with all your vehicle needs.