Now that summer is almost a memory, millions of people will start to plan their holidays and winter weekends to really enjoy the crisp cooler weather ahead. Fall is the perfect time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.
Whether you’re driving across the town or across the country it is always important to know that the trusted vehicle your taking across will actually get across the street…much less the state line.
Exterior:
•Wiper blades play an extremely important role in increasing visibility. Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.
•Check the tires. A simple test to check tire tread depth is to insert a penny into the tread of the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head sticks out,
your tires are starting to show signs of wear and should be replaced. Also check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, which could indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Also look for bulges, bald spots and cracks in the side wall.
•Give your car a good washing from top to bottom. Use a product specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don’t use the same mitt for both. Make sure to give the underbody of the vehicle a good washing as well to remove salt, sand and dirt that causes corrosion.•If you find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as possible. For a quick fix until you can get some touchup supplies, dab a little clear nail polish on the scratch.•Fall is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make sure that the vehicle’s surface is very clean, so that the finish does not get scratched.
Under the Hood:
•A good rule of thumb is that a change of season equals a change of oil. Changing your car’s oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, will ensure that your car operates at peak efficiency. Changing oil regularly is the single most important thing that can be done to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running smoothly.
•Get a tune-up if necessary. Tune-ups on modern vehicles should include the following systems: battery, charging and starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control – including onboard diagnostic check, – fuel, ignition and emissions.
•Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention, including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. The antifreeze/coolant should be refreshed every two years.
•Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps that appear to be in marginal condition may need to be replaced. Think about it: no heat in t
he winter time and no cool air in the summer.
Under the Vehicle:
•Fall is a good time to check the entire brake system, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Don’t
subscribe to this meme’s humor…brakes are important.
•Check the shocks or struts for signs of physical damage, such as leaking, rusting, or dents. Also be aware of the warning signs that you may need them replaced: vehicle rolls or sways on turns, front end dives when braking, rear end squats when accelerating, vehicle sits lower in the front or rear, a loss of directional control during sudden stops, and the vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding and rough road.
•If you notice any fluid puddles or stains under your vehicle, it is a good idea to have it inspected. There are several fluids that can leak from the vehicle including antifreeze/coolant, battery acid, brake fluid, clear water, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, gear oil, power steering fluid, shock and strut fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Replace filters (air, fuel PCV Cabin) as recommended: change more often in dusty conditions. have engine drivability problems (hard start, rough idle, diminished power) corrected at a good shop with modern equipment. In addition to getting better gas mileage, you ll help lessen air pollution, by keeping your engine at peak performance.
What are you doing to prep your car for the fall and upcoming winter weather? Let us know!
Mechanically Yours,
