The leaves are thinking about changing and you might have already dived into your favorite fall beverage, but is your car ready for fall? Fountain City Auto Clinic has some suggestions for fall maintenance that can help you to be safe and comfortable in your car.
Check the Oil Levels and Coolant Levels
Fluids keep your car running and as cooler weather shows up, two of the most important fluids in your car are going to be coolant and engine oil. It’s vital to make sure that each of these fluids is topped up. In the case of engine oil, you also need to make sure that it’s not dirty or otherwise in need of changing. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, consider doing it now.
Make Sure Your Brakes Work Well
In terms of safety, one of the important items to check needs to be your brakes. They may not be something you think much about in the summer, but they can become more of an issue in colder weather if they’re already not in great shape. Get the brakes inspected to make sure that they are ready to go.
Run the Heater if it’s Been a While
Bet the last time you ran the heater was sometime in early spring, if not late winter, right? It’s time to make sure that the heater still works, because you definitely don’t want to test it out on a cold, frosty morning. If you’re not feeling any heat from it after running it for a few minutes, take the time and get it checked. There could be something wrong elsewhere that’s affecting the heater.
Spend Some Time with Your Tires
Probably the most important safety item on your fall car checklist should be your car’s tires. Make sure that the air pressure is where it should be, because cold weather often causes your tires to lose a little bit of pressure. Take an extra close look at the tread, too. If you’re seeing excessive wear, maybe now is a good time to consider getting new tires. That way you’re prepared for cold, wet, icy weather a few months from now.
Need help with any of this? Give us a call at Fountain City Auto Clinic in Knoxville, TN. We’ll be happy to go over your car from top to bottom and make sure that everything is ready to go for cooler weather.