Getting Your Car Ready For The Fall

With fall approaching, now is the best time to take a closer look at your car – especially since the change in seasons can have a huge impact on driving conditions. 

Various parts of the country start seeing more rainfall, a bit of ice and even snow, and of course a drop in temperature. Combined, these conditions can lead to a number of problems with your tires, electrical system, windshield, car fluids etc.

So before the weather gets colder, here are some tips to make sure that your car is in good shape and ready for fall – and winter – this year.

Get All The Fluids Checked

When the temperature starts dropping, the fluids in your car become thicker or more viscous – this means that they move slower through the engine.

It’s a good idea to check and replace all your car’s fluids such as the following:

• Coolant – regulates the engine’s temperature
• Transmission fluid – cools down your gearbox
• Brake fluid – prevents corrosion
• Power steering fluid – transmits power to your steering
• Washer fluid – cleans and de-ices

Check The Performance Of Your Tires

Each year, more than 10,000 people sustain injuries due to an accident caused by a tire blowout or a flat tire. During fall, tires tend to lose air quickly; this makes it even more important for you to maintain proper tire pressure.

Remember, this also means that you need to keep an eye on your spare tire as well. You should also check the tread on your tires and rotate them so they wear out evenly.

You can easily inspect your tires’ tread depth through the penny test; insert a penny into the tread and make sure that Lincoln’s head is facing you. If the head is fully visible, then it’s probably time for you to replace your tires. 

Switch To All-Season Or Winter Tires

If you live in a moderate climate, then opting for all-season tires such as the Michelin Defender T + H is a good idea. 

However, if you see a lot of ice and snow, then it’s best to switch to a set of winter tires as they are specially designed to help you power through the elements. 

For example, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 features the latest winter tire technology with the NanoPro Tech Multicell tread compound and 3D sipes. Essentially, these tires provide excellent road grip, stability, steering response and traction on both dry and wet roads.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

Worn out wiper blades can limit your visibility on the road which can ultimately put your life at risk. It is recommended that you replace the blades after every six to nine months.

Even if your wipers appear to be working well, you should still consider checking the condition of the rubber. A worn out rubber on the blade can not only affect your driving visibility, but can also scratch your windshield. 

Flip your wipers upside down and inspect to see if the rubber is worn or cracked – an obvious sign that they need to be replaced. 

Purchase All-Weather Floor Mats 

The inside of your car needs to be protected just as much as the outside. 

It is very common for mud, snow and debris to make its way inside your car. With all-weather floor mats, you can protect your car and keep it dry and clean – these are generally good at trapping moisture and dirt. 

They also hold up well against wear and tear, and last longer than most other mats. 

Check Your Battery

In general, your car requires more power to start when the temperature is colder – this means that your battery must be in top shape.

Look for signs of corrosion or loose connections and cables, and check how much charge it can hold. 

Also consider changing your battery if it is more than four years old so you can get through fall and winter without the hassle of an unplanned failure.

Check Your Brakes And Lights

Fall is the perfect time to have your brakes and lights checked – especially since you may have to drive on slippery roads due to rain or ice. 

Remain on the lookout for unusual, squeaky sounds from your car when you apply your brakes. If you hear grinding noises or feel a pulse in your brake pad, then it might be time to replace them.

Similarly, if you live in an area where you experience fog early in the season, you should pay attention to the headlights, taillights and flashers.

Lights are not only crucial for your own visibility, but for other drivers to see you on the road. Inspect your car to see if all of the lights are working properly, and clean or repair them if necessary. 

Change Your Oil

You should change your oil twice a year at least; check your car’s oil-monitoring system or read through the vehicle manual to understand the suggested oil change interval. 

Since cold weather conditions can put additional stress your engine, it is recommended that you switch to winter-grade oil with a lower viscosity grade to keep your engine running smoothly.

Take Care Of Minor Scratches

Moisture due to rain, sleet, slush or snow can really affect your paint job and lead to rust. 

To avoid this, start by fixing all the minor scratches and scrapes with a simple repair kit. 

Prepare An Emergency Kit

As a rule of thumb, you should always be prepared for an emergency – and the best way to do so is to keep the following items in your car:

• A basic tool kit 
• A flashlight 
• Extra batteries 
• Tire chains 
• Extra gloves 
• Jumper cables 
• Spare tire and jack

By being fully prepared for the fall and winter months up ahead, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary hassle and heartache – just imagine being stranded in freezing temperatures because of a dead battery or a flat tire.