It is essential to get your vehicle, whether it is an import or a domestic one, ready for the fall and winter. Here are the most important things you can do to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming chilly weather and any obstacles it may face. Read on to learn more.
Check Old Tires and Get New Ones
In the fall, when weather conditions become more severe, it is especially important to keep your tires in excellent condition since they are the vehicle’s primary point of contact with the road. Reduced grip and worse gas mileage are two consequences of lower tire pressure caused by colder weather, which also makes driving on wet or icy roads more risky.
Steps to Take:
As the weather cools, it’s important to revisit the manufacturer’s suggested tire pressure levels and make any necessary adjustments.
Before hitting wet or snowy roads, check the tread depth to make sure you have enough traction. It is necessary to change the tires if the tread is too low. Invest in a set of winter or all-season tires if you call a snowy or icy climate home. Check for signs of uneven wear, as it may suggest problems with alignment. Tire life and handling are both enhanced when alignment issues are taken care of.
Get Your Battery Checked
Vehicle batteries don’t fare well in cold temperatures. Your battery has to work harder to start your automobile as the temperature drops because the chemical reactions that power it slow down. You don’t want to be cold on a cool morning because your battery is dead.
Steps to Take:
As part of your annual battery check, have your device examined to make sure it can retain a charge.
Verify that the battery terminals are free of corrosion and clean them if needed. To avoid any unpleasant surprises when the temperature drops below freezing, it is recommended to replace a battery that is more than three years old before winter.
Get New Fluids and Oil
The thickening of oil in colder temperatures can impede the engine’s smooth operation. To keep your engine lubricated all winter long, it’s a good idea to check and change the oil in the fall.
Steps to Take:
If your car’s manufacturer suggests using winter-grade oil, you might want to give that a try.
Make sure the levels of other fluids are correct by inspecting them; this includes transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and more. Problems arise, particularly when temperatures decrease, when fluid levels are low or unclean.
Add a winter-grade solution to the windshield washer fluid so it won’t freeze when the weather becomes chilly.
Check the Brakes
Colder weather brings the possibility of slippery roads caused by precipitation, frost, or ice. You must attend to any problems with your braking system that may arise over the summer before winter arrives, since it is crucial for your safety.
Steps to Take:
Check the brake rotors and pads for signs of wear. To make sure you have the best stopping power, replace the pads if they are thin.
Make that the brake fluid is at the recommended amount and free of moisture, as this might impair braking function.
If you hear or feel anything out of the ordinary when braking, such as squealing or vibration, it can be a sign of a problem.
Inspect the Heating and Defrosting Systems
Your car’s heating system will become more important for comfort when the temperature decreases, and the defroster will assist in keeping the windshield clear. Uncomfortable and even dangerous driving circumstances might result from problems with either of these systems.
Steps to Take:
Before you need them on a chilly morning, ensure sure the heater and defroster are working properly by testing them.
Get an expert to take a look at the HVAC system if you see any problems, such poor airflow or a windshield that won’t clear.
Swap Out Damaged Wiper Blades
More precipitation, as well as frost and early snow, are common fall weather features. The performance of the wiper blades, which were fine in the summer, can decrease due to cracks or wear and tear.
Steps to Take:
If the windshield isn’t getting clean, check the wiper blades for stiffness or cracks and replace them.
If you live in an area prone to ice and snow, you might want to invest in winter-specific wiper blades.
If your car has a rear wiper blade, be sure to inspect it.
Verify the System for Coolant
To prevent engine overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter, your vehicle’s coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is essential. Make sure the coolant system is in good working order before the weather gets really cold by checking it in the fall.
Steps to Take:
If the coolant level is low, add more.
Check that the ratio of coolant to water is right for cold weather (usually 50/50, but check the owner’s handbook for details).
It may be time to flush the coolant system of your vehicle if it hasn’t been done recently to eliminate any impurities or debris that may be affecting its performance.
Check the Outside Lights
You and other drivers on the road are put in danger when lights are either off or not working properly.
Steps to Take:
Make that the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights are all in good working order.
If you want to be seen clearly at night or in fog, replace any light bulbs that are too dim or have burned out.
Invest in more powerful or longer-lasting light bulbs if you feel the need.
Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ
The team at Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ would be happy to help with all of your automotive service needs!
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, allowing us to confidently handle domestic, Asian, and European vehicles with precision and expertise. Contact our team today!