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Just like the human body benefits from preventative care, cars and trucks benefit from preventative auto maintenance. Seasonal maintenance identifies potential issues before they get worse and prepares your vehicle for extreme weather. Use these fall auto care tips to stay safe as the leaves change and the temperature drops.

Top 5 Preventative Care Tips for Cars This Fall

1. Check the Heating System

Avoid driving in a cold car this fall by turning on your heating system now to see if it functions properly. Listen for unusual noises and schedule auto maintenance if you suspect an issue. Preventative maintenance services also check whether the controls and thermostat are working correctly.

2. Inspect the Tires

Inspect your tires for tread depth and sidewall damage. Use the quarter test to determine if each tire’s tread has worn down and become a hazard, as balding tires cannot provide as much traction. Look for cracks in the sidewalls, since they increase the chance of blowouts. Get your tires rotated and replaced as needed.

3. Get All Fluids Topped Off

preventative maintenanceHave all of your vehicle fluids topped off, including your transmission, brake, and windshield wiper fluids to prevent friction issues and keep your windshield clean, respectively. Get the oil changed as well to prevent excessive heat and friction in your engine.

4. Check the Battery & Lights

Check your car battery for corrosion and get it replaced if it’s more than five years old. Also, turn on all of your vehicle lights and ask a friend or family member to ensure they turn on quickly and are all functional.

5. Replace Your Brake Pads

Replace your brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Worn-down pads cause brakes to squeak and decrease in effectiveness in addition to eventually warping the rotor. Rather than paying for full brake replacements this fall, get your pads checked and replaced.

 

Schedule preventative auto maintenance before the weather turns frigid at Dee’s Auto Care Specialists. Proudly serving La Crosse County, WI, via three convenient locations, this friendly and knowledgeable team offers oil changes, wheel alignments, brake services, and more. Call (608) 782-2530 (La Crosse), (608) 783-0500 (Onalaska), or (507) 452-1115 (Winona) to make an appointment today, or visit the website for online coupons. 

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