5 Tips for Fall Car Care

Fall is almost here and October is just around the corner. Many families are excited to start decorating and taking the kids out for Fall festivities. Choosing costumes for Halloween parties and Trick-or-treating. But there is one more thing we must not forget as Fall approaches, and that is making sure to do some Fall car care. Take a little time out of those busy schedules to be sure you car is ready for Fall, and the harsh Winter weather ahead. Using these tips can save you lots of frustration down the road. 

If find your car isn’t ready for the the winter months ahead, or it’s time to upgrade before the the winter hits. Listed on Forbes as one of the best 2016 cars for snow is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×4 SUV. I highly recommend you head on over to Len Stoler Dodge Chrysler Jeep, and take it for a test drive. 

Some these things you can easily do yourself, but if you don’t want to be bothered with it, or don’t have the time take it to your local trust worth service technician. 

1. Car Batteries Clean, because they can suffer during harsh frigid weather. This can cause problems with the cars battery. Cars can can still function well during this bad weather, however the cold temperatures wreak havoc on our car batteries, because the chemical reaction inside of the battery slows down. Which can beat down a high quality battery. That’s why it’s so important to keep car battery terminals clean. Keep the posts and cable connections corrosion-free, clean all surfaces, and always make sure they are tight. Lastly if the battery is more than 3 years old it’s best to get a new one.
2. Check Over the Defrosters, Wiper Blades and the Heater, because if you live in an area that gets harsh Winter months it’s important to make sure during the Fall that these things are working properly. Fall is the perfect time to change the air filter. Also be sure and get the correct blades to prevent ice build-up, such as rubber-clad winter blades, and if they are torn or cracked it’s time to replace them. Have plenty of windshield washer fluid, and keep an ice scrappy in the clove compartment at all times. For safety reasons, such as defrosting, and staying warm it’s very important to have your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system checked to be sure they are all working properly this will also help with driver visibility, and comfort. 
3. Check Your Tires along with tire tread, pressure should be checked at least once a week when the weather gets very cold. Rotate as recommended. Make sure you always have a spare. It’s also important to check for bulges and bald spots. Taking the time to make these simple checks during the Fall can save your life, and help in the long run with better handling on icy roads during Winter, and all around better fuel economy. If you live in an area that get’s snow and icy roads  it’s best to consider getting winter tires that can grip slick roads. 
4. Get the Brakes Checked. Making sure to have good breaks at all times is crucial. This will keep the car under control when driving especially during the Winter months when the roads are covered in snow or ice. certified technician inspect their brakes to ensure they are ready for any slick roads. Have your service technician check them over during the Fall so you are ready for Winter. 
5. Check all Fluid Levels. This includes power steering and break fluid, washer fluid, along with transmission fluid. Be sure these fluids are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.

Getting your car ready during the Fall for the harsh winter months ahead is a great way to do preventive maintenance. You will also be helping to ensure safety of you and your family. Your car will be more reliable, and you will have fewer unexpected repairs when winter weather hits.