Fall is the ultimate transition period throughout the year. From 80-degree days to cool breezes that carry multicolored leaves, it’s a favorite season for many. However, while you enjoy all there is about fall, it’s essential to know what lies ahead.
Once fall has started, it’s only a countdown until winter comes. That means we must take the proper steps to prepare ourselves before that first snowfall.
Keep reading to learn how you can prepare your car during fall.
CHECK THE BELTS AND HOSES
While looking at your belts and hoses, you want to ensure there are no signs of splitting, fraying, or glazing. Key characteristics to look for are cracks, leaks, and wear. One major problem with faulty belts and hoses is overheating, regardless of the season.
CHECK THE FLUID LEVELS
You want to monitor several different types of fluids throughout the year. These are:
- Windshield washer fluid – essential for maintaining visibility
- Transmission fluids – crucial for cooling the vehicle
- Coolant – regulates the engine’s temperature
- Brake fluids – serve as a lubricant, preventing corrosion
- Power steering fluids – vital for operating your car safely and properly
CHECK THE TIRES
Even if your tires are meant to last all year long, checking the tread, inflation, and overall condition is essential before heading into winter.
Regardless of the tire type, it would be best if you had them rotated so they wear evenly. You should also check to see if the tire pressure in each tire is appropriate. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial, as cold weather quickly causes tires to lose air.
If you live in a location that expects snow and ice, consider swapping out your current tires for snow tires (if you haven’t done that already).
PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER
You don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road unprepared, especially during this time of year. Stock your vehicle with:
- Gloves
- Ice scraper
- Blanket
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
These items will help keep you warm, can get your car going again, and help you find help.
CHECK THE OIL
You should always change your oil at the recommended interval. Look at your car’s manual to determine how long you can go without changing your oil, as it may vary by manufacturer and driving habits.
CHECK YOUR HEAT
You don’t want to be without your heat when the cold weather hits. Ensure your defroster works too. You should never drive with a fogged-up windshield, as you’re putting yourself and everyone else around you in danger.
CHECK THE BRAKES
As you can probably guess, brakes are essential for safe driving. Unfortunately, cold weather heightens brake problems since the roads have the potential to become slippery from rain, snow, and ice. Listen for unusual noises that may suggest that your brake pads are failing.
CHECK YOUR LIGHTS
You should ensure that all your lights:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Flashers
are all in working order. If needed, replace a burnt-out or broken bulb as soon as possible. Not only do these lights help you see, but they also alert other drivers to your presence.
CHECK THE BATTERY
Going into every season, it’s essential that you check your battery for charge and signs of corrosion. You can even take your car to a local auto parts store for a diagnosis (these are often free of charge).
If you’re told you need a new battery, take your car to a mechanic that can switch it out for you. The battery is critical to start your vehicle, so you don’t want to neglect this step.
CHECK YOUR WIPER BLADES
You may not realize it, but your wiper blades are one of the most used pieces of equipment on your vehicle. They wear down over time, and with use, so you’ll want to switch them out often.
Knowing when to change them out is pretty straightforward. Old blades will:
- Streak your windows
- Leave large patches of moisture when used
- “Chatter” as they move across your windshield
The wiper blades themselves are made of rubber or silicon. As they wear down, you can get to the point at which the hard plastic or metal of the wiper arm is making contact with the glass of your windshield. This can cause damage to your windshield, so it’s best to look at your wipers at least once a year.
HOME SERVICE OIL
Are you looking for a supplier to fill your auto parts shop or convenience store? Home Service Oil can provide the chemicals, fluids, parts, and more your drivers will need this fall.
As everyone prepares their vehicles for colder weather, it’s essential that you aren’t caught off guard by the surge in those looking for things like brake fluid.
Contact us today, and a representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible to help fulfill your request.