The leaves are changing and the weather is cooling off. No matter what part of the country you live in, there is bound to be some fluctuations in weather temperatures. Whether you expect some snow and ice or just a few drops in degrees, this is a good signal that its time to pay attention to your vehicle's overall health. So what should you do? Here are a few important fall auto maintenance tasks that you shouldn't ignore.
Oil and Transmission
Your engine is the workhorse of your vehicle and its important that you make sure things are in tip-top shape under the hood. If you live in a cooler climate, you'll want to switch to a synthetic oil in order to make it easier on your engine to operate and start. This prevents engine sludge and protects your motor from overall wear and tear on engine components. A complete oil change with synthetic oil helps pistons work more effectively and protects the horsepower of your engine. Additionally, a transmission servicing or flush is important as well. This may include:
New fluids in the transmission will increase holding power within the clutches and boost overall heat and slip protection. This makes it easier on the engine as temperatures fluctuate and road surfaces change. Having the vehicle transmission serviced and oil changed regularly will help avoid a costly auto repair in the future.
Tires
Just as it's important to have proper maintenance under the hood, your tires need attention too. Because traction is important as temperatures plummet and rain makes roads more challenging to stop on, you have to have good winter tires. Better tread and properly inflated tires are important any time you drive, but especially in the winter because of wet, icy and slick road conditions. Fall is a good time to remind yourself to get a tire check and, if necessary, new tires that are aligned and balanced properly.
Brakes
Having brakes that stop on the dime is also vital. A complete brake inspection will help ensure brake fluids aren't leaking and the entire braking system is working effectively.
Fluid Top Ups and HVAC Inspection
New windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid are an important components of vehicle performance and safety. Don't forget about the heating and cooling system (HVAC) either. Belt and fan checks and a full coolant supply will make sure that your car heats up and defrosts quickly. This is important when you start your vehicle on a frosty winter morning.
As the end of the year approaches, don't hesitate to set up an appointment with an auto repair shop, so your vehicle is ready when the weather changes.
Share27 September 2018
After my car died and I was stranded on the freeway a few years back, I knew that I had to do what I could to avoid similar issues in the future. I began working hard to identify different issues with my car, so that I could prevent problems. I began working with a mechanic to get help, and he taught me a lot about going through my car and being able to evaluate different things that were problems. It was really interesting to explore the possibilities of different car failures, and before I knew it, I could tell when my car was struggling. Read more about the early signs of car trouble on my blog.