Fall in New England is one of the most beautiful sights anyone could hope to see. There are so many activities and traditions to look forward to this time of year! While we are looking forward to pumpkins, corn mazes, mulled cider, fall hikes and leaf peeping there are some things we should all be planning to do before that cooler weather hits. Let's take a look at a few of the big ones.
Check your tires
Fall rains are enough reason to ensure your tires are in good shape, not to mention winter snows are right around the corner. Now is a great time to make sure your vehicle's shoes are safe and ready for anything mother nature has in store.
Wiper Blades
We have had one heck of a drought this year! Those high temperatures and severe lack of rainfall are a recipe for ruining your existing wipers. Come fall rains, you don't want to find yourself out and about in a fall storm with tattered ineffective wipers. Give them a good look and a test and swap them out if you find they're not up to the task of conquering another season.
Fluid Levels
It's a good idea to check your fluid levels often. Depending on the age or condition of your car, this could be anywhere from weekly to seasonally. There's no such thing as being too careful, so check all those fluid levels often, and book a visit if you suspect anything's amiss. If you're unsure of how to check your fluids, your car manual is a great resource. Should you find yourself without a manual, head online as there is guidance for just about every make and model you can think of right at your fingertips.
Inspect Your Brakes
This task is not one every vehicle owner is up to, but if you're not sure what you are looking for, you can always book an appointment to have your brakes and any other concerns addressed at our shop. Stay tuned for our upcoming post on warning signs your brakes may need replacement.
Check That Heat!
Make sure your vehicle's heat is up to snuff before the temps threaten to turn you into a human popsicle. Best to give it a check to be sure your heat is functioning as intended before you have a very uncomfortable commute one chilly morning.
Lights
Visibility is only going to get tougher from here. Between Autumnal rains and fog, and subsequent sleet and snow, ensuring all your lights are operational is a way to make your drive safer for you and others on the road. Don't forget those license plate bulbs! This is not only a safety issue, it can also save you from some red and blue flashing reminder lights behind you.
Scheduled and Unscheduled Maintenance
When in doubt, it's always a good idea to have your vehicle looked over. Cold weather can exacerbate existing issues and cause overlooked maintenance items to become problematic and outright dangerous. Winter can be a financially trying time for many. Between holidays, travel and unpaid snow days, unexpected repair expenses are the last thing you need. Auto shops are often very busy due to winter weather accidents and the unforgiving climate wreaking havoc on your car. Booking a visit in the Fall can help get these problems squared away before it becomes a crisis. We are here to help!
If you need to book your fall maintenance, give us a call anytime. We will be happy to get you in as soon as possible to make sure you and your car are ready to roll from one season to the next.