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Whether you’ve concluded a long road trip or are gearing up for the back-to-school season, your car should get a check-up when the summer’s over. With a thorough tune-up, you can make sure the vehicle is ready to handle the demands of the fall. This routine service can also detect problems early on so that you can avoid unnecessary safety risks or high auto repair bills down the road. To help you steer into the season with confidence, here are a few essential vehicle maintenance tasks to complete before autumn arrives.   

How Should You Prepare Your Car for Fall?

1. Get an Oil Change

When a car doesn’t have clean oil, the engine may overheat and experience considerable damage. Since this vital fluid tends to get thicker in cooler temperatures, the end of summer is often a good time to get an oil change so your car will have fresh lubricant to power through the fall.

2. Tend to the Tires

If you notice the tread is worn, or the air pressure is lower than it should be, consider swapping out the current set for new tires. Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade to winter tires to take on snowy and icy roads in the coming months. If the tires are in good shape, you should still have an auto shop rotate them to promote even tread wear.

3. Test the Heater & Defroster

auto repairAlthough fall temperatures are moderate during the day, they can still be quite chilly in the mornings. The cool air can also frost up your windshield and impair your on-road visibility. To make sure your car can handle these conditions, turn on the heater and defroster to make sure they are blowing out warm air. If you notice problems, have these components checked and serviced by an auto shop.

4. Service the Brakes

Having worn brake pads in the fall and winter can make stopping quickly difficult—especially on slick roads. Worn pads may also contribute to more significant damage to the brakes. When your auto repair team rotates your tires, have them check, and if necessary, replace the brake pads.  

5. Check the Lights

As the days get shorter, you’ll want to make sure your car can be seen in the dark. Test all your headlights and brake lights to ensure they are bright enough. If any are burnt out or dimming, have them replaced.

 

Knowing that fall is a busy time, Kettering-Oakwood Automotive strives to make car care swift and complete. Providing comprehensive auto repair and maintenance services in Dayton, OH, this skilled team can handle all routine tune-up needs—including oil change, tire care, and brake checks. These mechanics are also ready to take on more complicated issues—such as engine and transmission repair—so you can keep your wheels on the road without worry. Visit this Shroyer Park auto shop online to learn more about their capabilities or call (937) 299-2468 to discuss your repair needs with an expert.

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