It’s officially fall, and we’re already seeing the changes in weather and temperature. As a transitional season, autumn is actually a great time to evaluate your vehicle between the summer heat and winter freeze. There are many important fall car maintenance tasks you can check off yourself or at your mechanic.
Wiper Blades.
These are easy enough to replace yourself, which helps since they require yearly replacement. If your wiper blades are skipping across the glass or leaving streaks, then it’s time for a new set.
Heating System.
On a milder or chilly day, use your car’s heating to its full capacity to make sure it’s working well. Once the frost finally hits, you’ll also be able to test out the defroster. If you notice it’s taking much longer for your car to warm up or for the frost to melt, then it may be time for a heating system inspection.
Battery.
Extreme temperatures at both ends of the spectrum will affect your vehicle’s battery. If you got through the heat of summer, this winter’s freezing temperatures may be too much depending on the battery’s state. If you have the right tools, check the charge. A reading at 12 volts or lower typically means it’s time for a replacement since it becomes unreliable. In general, you should replace the battery every 3-5 years.
Oil Change.
If you’ve been putting off an oil change, this would be the perfect time to check that off at a tune-up. Oil changes are one of the easiest ways to keep up with preventative measures for your car. When the oil gets too dirty, it doesn’t work as well going through the engine and it could potentially cause damage if there’s debris.
Tire Pressure.
With the temperature change, the pressure in your tires will fluctuate. For peak fuel efficiency and even tread wear, you should check it every other week. Reference the driver’s side door where there should be a sticker that tells you the best tire pressure for your vehicle.
Tire Replacement/Winter Tires.
Take a look at your car’s tire tread. Will it hold up this winter? You can easily check with the penny test. Take a penny and insert it headfirst into the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then the tread is low and could struggle to get traction. Try it out in different areas just in case the tread wore down unevenly.
Check our monthly specials, which include deals on many important maintenance tasks or repair needs. Superior Service has a location in Eagan and Apple Valley, MN, and we have been expertly serving the Twin Cities metro since 1982. Stop by if you need help checking off these fall car maintenance duties.