Autumn means changing leaves, breaking out your favorite sweaters, and getting your vehicle ready for the chillier weather ahead. Even relatively mild winters bring ice and chilly temperatures that put extra pressure on the mechanical elements and fluids in your vehicle. Handling routine maintenance and having your transmission serviced before winter starts can help you avoid breakdowns and dangerous accidents.

4 Car Maintenance Tasks for Fall

1. Check the Battery

Extreme heat and freezing cold can drain the battery and damage the internal components. Before winter arrives, check the voltage, clean all the terminals, and have any issues repaired immediately. If your battery is more than three years old, replacing it now can help you avoid getting stranded in a snowstorm.

2. Change the Oil

Changing the oil is probably the most critical auto maintenance task on your checklist. Because your engine has to work harder in the winter, getting an oil change in the fall eliminates potentially costly repairs later.

3. Inspect the Brakes

Your brakes help you avoid dozens of accidents every day, so you want to keep them in peak operating condition. Worn pads or leaking brake lines can make it impossible to stop in time, especially on slippery roads, so have any issues corrected immediately.

4. Schedule a Transmission Service

Cold weather can also make your transmission fluid less viscous, causing excessive wear and tear on delicate components. Getting a professional transmission service before the seasons change will extend the life of your drivetrain and keep you moving forward through poor weather.
 

If you’re looking for a professional to get your transmission ready for winter, look no further than Friendly Transmission Service Inc. Since 1986, their highly trained technicians have served drivers throughout North Carolina’s Triad area, building a reputation for honest pricing and fast turnarounds. Visit their website for more on their wide range of transmission services, or call (336) 882-1164 to make an appointment today.