Fall Service Checklist for Your Vehicle

Fall is a busy season for your car! The transition from summer to fall brings changes in weather as we approach winter. Luckily, winter isn’t here, and you still have some time for fall vehicle maintenance before that cold weather hits. We’ve compiled a list of fall car maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle in optimal condition. While some of these tasks can be performed on your own at home, we recommend you visit your nearest Telle Tire location to ensure your maintenance is performed thoroughly and correctly.    

Necessary Maintenance

As you move from summer to fall, your car experiences changes, too, including in road conditions and driving habits. You may expect rain, fog, and sometimes even snow in the fall months. In addition to weather changes, you’re may spend more time on the road as you now need to drop off and pick up your kids from school as well as drive to work and errands. You may also need to drive to more places in preparation for the winter holidays.

Increased activities and weather change piles pressure on your car. It’s important to keep it in its optimal condition to enhance efficiency. Here is what you need to do to keep your car at its best this fall.

Check the Oil and Other Fluids

Oil lubricates, cleans, and protects essential parts of the engine. Check your oil levels using a dipstick or refer to your in-car computer in newer car models. Oil isn’t all you need, though. Your car uses other fluids like coolant, antifreeze, and brake fluid. All of these fluids can be checked by simply opening the hoods and checking their corresponding containers. Just be sure that if you do this task on your own, you never check fluid levels while the engine is hot.

Check the Tire Pressure and Treads

Ensuring your car tires are in good shape enhances the efficiency and safety of your car. Use a gauge to measure the pressure in your tires. If the tire pressure is lower than the specification for your vehicle, inflate them to the required level. If the tires seem to be having difficulty holding pressure, it may be time to replace them before winter weather sets in. You’ll also want to check your tire treads. You can check your tire tread depth using a tread gauge or by using the simple penny test. If using a tread gauge, a reading of 4/32″ indicates that it’s probably time for new tires. When using a penny, place it upside down within the tread and if any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, your tires still have some life to them.

Ensure All Exterior Lights Are Working

Nightfall may catch you on the road more often as days get shorter in fall and winter. Ensure all the exterior lights are working to continue driving after darkness. Check your headlights, taillights, and blinkers. Grab someone to help you and also check to make sure all of your brake lights are working as they should be. If any of the lights are not working, you can replace the bulbs yourself or contact an expert for help.

Check the Wiper Blades

The fall season is sometimes wet, and you may expect snow as we approach winter. Ensuring your wiper blades are in their best working condition helps avoid disruptions when rain or snow gets you on the road. Even when there’s no rain or snow, contending with dirt, salt, and other debris that can make it difficult to see. Along with good wipers, ensure your wiper fluid is filled so you can have clear vision all season long.

Have the Brakes Checked

Brakes improve the safety of your car, especially during wet seasons. Since you expect to use your car more often, visit your nearest Telle Tire location to have your brakes thoroughly inspected. 

Test the Heater

The cold season is beckoning, and the last thing you want to happen is to get in one cold morning to find out your heater isn’t working. Test your heater now and if there are any issues, now is the time to contact an expert for repair.

Take Care of Any Delayed Maintenance and Fix Any Problems You’ve Put Off

We know; it’s easy to forget necessary tasks during the fun, summertime months. If you’ve been overlooking other issues, such as your regular maintenance schedule, it is time to have them fixed. Schedule an appointment and visit your mechanic for your car maintenance services as soon as possible. 

Let the Pros at Telle Tire Prepare Your Vehicle for Fall

As you get busier and the weather becomes unfavorable, Telle Tire is here to ensure you have a smooth ride. We have been your Midwest trusted car maintenance partner since 1942. Contact us today to book your fall vehicle maintenance.