October is Fall Car Care Month

October is Fall Car Care Month

Getting your vehicle ready for winter is important. During the fall season, the temperatures are mild, and it is easy for car owners to perform some preventive car maintenance that would make the car ready for the tough winter ahead. In honor of Fall Car Care Month, here are some essential maintenance tips to follow. 

Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids

As a rule of thumb, you need to maintain the recommended level of all fluids in the car like engine oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Checking the fluids is an integral part of preventive care. If the engine oil has turned black, you need to get it changed. Similarly, you also need to check the brake fluid and transmission fluid levels. 

Inspect the Tires 

Check the air pressure in all tires. During the colder months, the air pressure in a tire drops by one PSI with every 10-degree drop in temperatures. An underinflated tire increases fuel consumption and also causes uneven wear of tires that leads to early tire replacement. Hence, you should maintain recommended air pressure in all tires, including the spare tire. If you live in a region that experiences moderate to heavy snowfall, change to winter tires for safety. 

Examine the Windshield Wipers and Lights

During winter, snow and moisture accumulate on the windshield, thus blocking your view. The wipers must be in good condition to clear snow and moisture from the windshield. Wipers have a limited life of six months to one year. Check wipers for any cracks or signs of damage. If you find any, get new wipers.

Similarly, lights are important to clearly see and be seen. Check the headlights, brake lights, fog lights, turn indicators and lights inside the cabin. Replace any burned-out bulbs. Also, clean the light covers for better illumination. 

Check the Exhaust System

Check the exhaust system for any damage, leaks, or broken supports or hangers. Exhaust leaks are dangerous and need immediate repair. You will hear some unusual noise if there is a problem with the exhaust system. Take your car to the garage to get any repairs done. 

Inspect the Suspension System

If your car rides roughly, it may be due to shocks or struts wearing out. Before winter arrives, get the suspension system thoroughly checked and get repairs done. You need to inspect the suspension system annually, and if you have not done it lately, Fall Car Care Month is the right time to do it. Some of the parts that need to be inspected for damage or wear and tear are struts and shock absorbers. You also need to check chassis parts like tie rod ends, ball joints and other related components. 

Check Belts and Hoses 

Belts and hoses are critical components of the engine, air conditioning system and radiator. If the timing belt breaks, your engine will stop working. Hence, you need to check all belts and hoses and replace any belt or hose that is damaged or worn out. 

Fall car care is the best way to get your car ready for winter. It not only saves you from inconvenience but also saves you from expensive repairs in winter.