October is Fall Car Care Month

With winter right around the corner and the temperatures already falling, it’s a great time to make sure your vehicle is ready to get you and your family through the cold months safely.

According to the Car Care Council, there are 10 basic maintenance steps to take to make sure your car is ready and working at its best for the winter.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. It is also a good idea to switch to synthetic oil if you have not already as it will help your engine operate more efficiently, especially during cold weather

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure (which tends to drop more during cold months) and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment and excessive wear requires wheel replacement. If you are in an area where temperatures are consistently around freezing during the winter months, it may also be a good idea to look into winter tires. And don’t forget about your spare tire, which should also be checked for pressure and wear.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation. Your wipers will take a lot more abuse during the cold months, so you may want to replace them annually during the fall for best results.

Cooler weather will only make existing problems worse so make sure to have a professional look at issues you are unable to fix on your own. Look for maintenance specials at local dealers and auto shops as many are offering deals for Fall Car Care month.

Taking the time to plan ahead and complete all your car maintenance needs now will save you valuable time and money.