When both leaves and the temperature start to fall, it means that Autumn is fast approaching. It also means that you need to prepare your car for the driving hazards that come with this colorful, yet temperamental, season.
Some excellent car care tips for the Fall are as follows:
Check Fluid Levels
No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always a good practice to regularly check your vehicle’s fluid levels. This includes brake fluid, engine coolant and even fuel. If you suspect a leak, it’s imperative that you locate the affected hose or tank, as the damage will continue to worsen, eventually deteriorating to the point where the part (or parts) need to be completely replaced.
Check Your Lights
The Fall season brings many changes with it, including earlier sunsets and other potential visibility issues, such as fog. By ensuring that your headlights, brake lights and blinkers are all functional, you’ll be ensuring your ability to see in the worst weather conditions that Autumn throws at you (and ensuring that other drivers will be able to see you!)
Check The Brakes
Once the Fall season is underway, it’s imperative that you’re up to date on brake maintenance. With lower visibility, greater chance of frost or ice, and the potential to run into seasonal hazards such as piles of leaves, you’ll need your brakes in top shape; your life could depend on it.
Check Tires and Air Pressure
If your tires are unevenly worn or low on air pressure, they are at a higher risk for damage, flats and even blowouts. This is especially common during seasons with intense temperature fluctuations, such as Summer and Fall, where the temperature extremes affect the air pressure in your tires, making them more vulnerable to damage (or worse.)
Replace Your Wipers
You might not think of worn or damaged wiper blades as a major problem, but the longer you continue to use them in a state of disrepair, the less effective they will be. The sooner this problem is addressed, the better: you don’t want to be caught in unpredictable Autumn weather with wipers that fail to do their job!
Changing The Air Filter
With a fresh filter and healthy air flow, your engine will enjoy better performance and efficiency, including improved gas mileage. On the other hand, a dirty air filter could lead to slow acceleration or even damage to the engine from the building up of contaminants, so regular checks and air filter replacements are needed to maintain engine performance and health.
Check Your Heat and Air Conditioning
Autumn brings a lot of temperature variety with it, so it’s in your best interest to make sure that your vehicle’s air conditioning and heating systems are up and running. From hot days to cold nights, you’ll be glad that your environmental control systems are working properly, no matter what Fall throws at you.
Testing the Battery
Although your car battery will likely be working less in Fall than it would be in the Summer, you should still be on the lookout for any evidence of a weak (or dead) battery. If you suspect you’re in the market for a battery replacement, be sure to have it checked out by our professionals.
Regularly Scheduled Oil Changes
Regularly scheduled oil changes are a critical component of your vehicle’s continued health, regardless of season, so make sure that you’re staying up to date. If you are in doubt as to whether it is time for an oil change, call or contact Bradley’s Auto to schedule an appointment. We can quickly and easily test to see if your oil needs to be replaced.
Preventing Car Problems in Fall
Thankfully, you can easily prevent most Autumnal car issues with regular maintenance and by simply being observant. By taking these small, preventative measures, you and your vehicle will be adequately prepared for Fall, especially when facing any of the season’s potential hazards, like sudden black ice or fallen leaves.
Year-Round Auto Repair Services in Red Bank, NJ
Get your car ready for Fall by contacting Bradley’s Auto Service in Red Bank, NJ today! Our ASE-certified mechanics have built a reputation for providing honest, professional auto services, and have experience with all makes and models.
Whether it’s the changing weather of Autumn, the dog days of Summer, or the dead cold of Winter, Bradley’s Auto Service in Red Bank, NJ has you covered all year round!
