Keep on top of your car's maintenance, here are some things to consider for fall maintenance:
1. Battery – Keep the battery connections clean, tight and
corrosion-free. Cold weather is hard on batteries, so it’s wise to check
the battery and charging system. Because batteries don’t always give
warning signs before they fail, it is advisable to replace batteries
that are more than three years old.
2. Heater, Defrosters and Wiper Blades – Check that the heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system are working properly as
heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for
safety reasons, such as defrosting. Fall is also a great time to check
your air filters. Wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don’t properly
clean your windshield should be replaced. As a general rule, wiper
blades should be replaced every six months. When changing the blades, be
sure to also check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir.
3. Tires – Check the tires, including the tire pressure and tread
depth. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should
also be checked for bulges and bald spots. If snow and ice are a problem
in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly as tires lose
pressure when temperatures drop.
4. Brakes – Have the brake system checked, including brake
linings, rotors and drums. Brakes are critical to vehicle safety and
particularly important when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.
