The Things You Should Do to Maintain Your Car in the Fall
You should maintain your car in the fall to avoid any potential issues that may arise in the winter and save you some grief. Hopefully, you already have personal auto insurance to protect your car against any unforeseen incidents.
Maintain Your Car in the Fall: The Checklist
If you do, the only thing left is to follow this car maintenance checklist to ensure you have prepared for the winter weather.
Check the Tires
You should check your tears to examine if there is wear and tear on them. Likewise, make sure they have proper inflation levels. Refer to the PSI values in your owner’s manual to determine the proper tire pressure and make the necessary adjustments. Also, maintain a regular schedule for checking air pressure, which tends to decrease as the temperature drops.
Check the Wiper Blades
Expect some rain and even snow during the fall season. Ensure you have prepared for these situations by getting your car’s wiper blades in good condition.
Turn on the windshield washers and wipers to inspect the wiper blades. A good set of blades should sweep the windshield clean without leaving any streaks.
It is advisable to replace windshield wipers periodically, mainly if you use them a lot. Experts recommend replacing them every six to twelve months.
Check Defrosters and Heater
Checking your car’s heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) system is essential for comfort. But it is vital for your safety too. Ensure everything you have prepared for defrosting and improving visibility in the colder months.
Have Your Brakes Inspected
Have a mechanic check your car’s brakes at least twice a year to ensure they’re in good condition. Most experts advise changing the brake pads when only 4 mm. of friction material is left. Replace them immediately if they are 3 mm. or less, as continuing to use them could pose a severe safety hazard.
Check Your Lights
Your headlights need to work. It goes for your brake lights, fog lights, and hi-beams. Having them checked is crucial as you’ll use them more as the days get shorter and it gets dark earlier.
You should also check the light lenses’ clarity, as cloudy lights reduce your driving vision. Wiping them with commercial cleaning solutions should be sufficient to restore clarity.
Get Your Oil Changed
You should get an oil change every 5000 to 10,000 miles or every three months. If your car doesn’t have an oil change sensor, schedule your oil change at the same time as your tire changeover appointment.
Address Any Known Problems
Car issues that remain neglected can pose significant problems later on. For example, a leaking radiator hose might result in a low amount of coolant, overheating, and catastrophic engine damage.
Give Your Vehicle a Full Cleaning
Wash your car thoroughly inside and out and vacuum the interior. It is better to clean your vehicle before fall arrives as you won’t want to do it when it’s below freezing outside.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.