October is Car Care Month, so it’s a busy time of the year for motorists. It's the perfect time to take care of any lingering auto repairs or maintenance needs before the cold weather sets in. Below, you'll find a checklist of car maintenance tasks to get done before winter arrives.

Your October Auto Repair & Maintenance Checklist

Inspect Belts & Hoses

The cold weather can cause your car’s belts and hoses to become brittle and snap. This is particularly true if they are already aging or showing signs of wear. As part of your maintenance checkup, have an auto repair shop inspect your car’s belts and hoses to make sure they are in good condition and not at risk of failing over the winter.

Check the Tires

Winter weather can cause your tires’ pressure to drop. Driving with underinflated tires not only affects your mileage, but it also shortens your tires’ lifespan. Typically, you'll lose about one PSI of tire pressure for every 10 degrees F the temperature drops. Also, be sure to check the tread depth to make sure your tires can handle snow and slush. If you place a U.S. quarter between the treads, they should be deep enough to cover most of George Washington's forehead and part of his face.

Test the Battery

Plummeting temperatures also make it difficult for your car battery to maintain its charge. If it's more than a year or two old, have the battery and charging system tested to see how well it's working. The last thing you want is to hurry out one morning and discover that your car won't start because the battery's dead.

Check Antifreeze Levels

Antifreeze levels in the overflow tank should reach the "Full" line. If they do not, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to bring the levels up to the recommended amount.

Regular maintenance is crucial to the longevity and performance of your vehicle, and Car Care Month is the ideal time to do it. To schedule auto repairs or maintenance tasks with a dependable shop, contact Dansville Auto Mart in Dansville, NY. They are a full-service auto repair shop and used car dealership, and the business is family-owned. They have been serving Livingston County since 1975. Visit their website to see their business hours, or call (585) 335-8280 to schedule an appointment or inquire about vehicle availability.