The fall season arrives with cool temperatures as a prelude to the cold, harsh winter weather. To help your vehicle survive the winter, have it ready by performing car maintenance now. Routine upkeep is key to extending your vehicle’s service life and saving on costly auto repairs. Here are a few tips to keep your vehicle up and running before the frost comes.

Fall Car Maintenance Checklist

1. Assess Tire Condition

The ice and snowfall that come with winter make for slippery roads. To combat this, your tires need to have enough grip and traction. As part of your car maintenance routine, assess tread depths using the penny test to see whether your tires are worn out. Check the tire pressure frequently, as it can change with temperature shifts. Consider switching to winter tires if possible; ideally, you should switch to winter tires that are designed to sheer water and ice away from the tire surface for more driving stability.

2. Inspect the Brakes, Lights, & Wipers

Ensure safety on the road by checking the brakes, lights, and wipers as well. Take your vehicle into the auto shop for brake service if you notice poor responsiveness, excessive shaking, or unusual sounds or smells. Give your lights—from the front to the back—a once-over to check for dim or burned-out bulbs. Replace your wiper blades and refill your washer fluid to have a clear, unobstructed view of the road.    

3. Test Your Battery

Cold weather makes it difficult to start your engine, as lower temperatures slow down the chemical reactions in your battery. Apart from the cold weather, hot summers can also drain the battery, as hot, humid temperatures increase corrosion on the terminals and connections. Have your battery tested in a local auto shop and charged as needed.

4. Warm Up the Heater

In the winter, you’ll spend more time driving with the windows rolled up with your heat and defroster on. Make sure the vehicle’s heating system is functioning well by switching it on and checking for warm air coming from the vents. If it takes time to heat up the cabin to cozy levels, have its heater core or thermostat checked.

5. Check Your Fluids

Bear in mind that your vehicle needs fluids to function well. Look for active leaks under the hood or chassis. Check fluid levels and top them off as necessary. Switch your motor oil to a winter-ready one to prevent it from thickening in cold temperatures.   

Help your car ride out the worst of winter with car maintenance services from Kettering-Oakwood Automotive in Dayton, OH, this fall. Their skilled technicians provide top-notch maintenance and auto repair services throughout Montgomery County. To schedule an appointment, call (937) 299-2468 today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.