This Is Your Fall Car Care Checklist.
The change of seasons is usually a good time to have your vehicle serviced. Because changes in temperature can affect a car’s performance, fall is a popular time for tune-ups, but it’s also a good time of year to review maintenance records and see what needs to be done.
Consider this your fall car care checklist, with some things you can do yourself and others you should call a professional for.
Check/replace wiper blades.
Your car’s windshield wipers can be affected by temperature changes and also simply wear out over time. Summer heat, friction from damp windshields, and dry air can all cause your windshield wiper blades to crack or split. If you notice any damage to the rubber part of your windshield wipers or see the rubber starting to separate from the wiper arm, it’s time to replace them. (You can find deals on replacement wipers from Bosch and Rain-X right now.)
Check the coolant level
Since engine coolant must remain liquid at lower temperatures than water, it is a good idea to use an antifreeze mixture appropriate for your climate. If you haven’t checked your coolant level in a while, now is the time. Look for a screw cap near or on top of the coolant reservoir with a thermometer in the form of a water symbol or perhaps a warning not to remove the cap while it is hot. If you are not using 50/50 premixed coolant , you should mix antifreeze concentrate with distilled water (not tap) to avoid adding anything that could clog the radiator.
Check washer fluid
Window cleaner can be easy to forget when you don’t need it, but once you do, forgetting it can quickly become a hazard. In cold weather, you can also use washer fluid with de-icer to clear snow and ice from your windshield while driving. To find the reservoir, look under the hood for a cap with a picture of a windshield with drips on it. You can use a funnel to pour the liquid, the reservoir is in an inconvenient place.
Change the air filters
Your cabin air filter is subject to stress during the warmer months when pollen, dust, and smoke become trapped in its ridges. Autumn is a good time to change things up. In most cars, the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. Some vehicles provide access to change the filter without removing the glove box, and some will require the glove box to be removed. You will need to find your vehicle’s make and model, as well as its year, to determine the correct filter and installation process for your vehicle.
Check the tire tread
Make sure your tires are prepared for winter weather by checking that they have adequate tread. A tread depth of 2/32″ is considered safe. To check the tread depth, use a coin with Lincoln’s head facing the tire. If you can see his entire head, you need new tires. If his head disappears between the steps, he’s usually done. If you really need new tires, you’ll have to have them installed by a professional since most people don’t have the necessary tools.
Check the date on the battery
Your car battery is designed to last between 3 and 5 years. Check the date on the battery and if it is close to expiration, have it checked by a mechanic. If you need a new battery, you should be able to install it yourself if you have experience working on cars; if you don’t, a mechanic can usually replace the battery for $175-$400, depending on the battery.