Beautiful fall foliage makes getting behind the wheel more enjoyable, especially when you and your loved ones are driving to autumn activities such as corn mazes and pumpkin picking. However, this season also means falling temperatures and potential hazards such as slippery leaves and wet roads. Prepare your vehicle for fall weather with these practical car maintenance tips.

Top 7 Fall Car Maintenance Tips

1. Check the Brakes

Wet roads become icy as temperatures drop during the fall and early winter. If your brakes make squealing noises or it takes more effort to stop your vehicle, get the brake pads replaced as soon as possible. This not only promotes vehicle safety, but it also prevents the brake rotors from warping.

2. Inspect Your Tires

Inspect your tires for tread depth and sidewall damage. Balding tires are extremely hazardous because they cannot grip the road, especially in wet conditions. Cracks in the sidewalls can result in dangerous blowouts. Use the penny test to determine tread depth and get your tires replaced as necessary to stay safe on the road.

3. Replace Wiper Blades

Install new wiper blades if it has been a year since their last replacement. Wiper blades last six months to one year depending on how often they are used. Replace them early in the fall to prepare for sudden rainstorms and light snowfall.

4. Check Lights

Check all of your lights by having a friend or family member stand near your car as you turn them on and off. Ensure the headlights, tail lights, parking lights, brake lights, and flashers are all operational; if not, have them professionally replaced. 

5. Replace the Battery

Get the battery checked for loose connections, corrosion, and other damage. Car batteries last anywhere from two to five years—if you constantly have to jump yours, it is time for replacement.

6. See If the Heater & Defroster Work

Turn on your heater and defroster to keep your vehicle comfortable and safe. You may need to get one or both repaired or replaced before cold weather sets in.

7. Change Oil

Schedule an oil change to keep your engine’s many working parts lubricated and therefore free of damaging friction and heat. Dirty oil also hurts your fuel economy because the engine has to work harder to power your vehicle. Have all other fluid levels topped off as well, including transmission, brake, and wiper fluid?

Rely on the car maintenance experts at Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions to prepare your vehicle for fall. Whether you need an oil change, brake service, or other auto repair services from this friendly and knowledgeable team serving Oak Harbor, WA, and the surrounding areas, you will enjoy a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty. Call (360) 679-0700 (Oak Harbor location) or (360) 424-3100 (Mount Vernon location) to make an appointment today. Visit the website for additional service info and like the Facebook page for more car maintenance tips.