The kids are back in school and Fall is just around the corner. That means more carpooling and driving the kids back and forth to after-school activities and the temperatures will start to fall. When a season changes, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the next. Fall weather will soon lead into colder winter conditions that can be harsh on a vehicle. You can make sure your car, truck or van is safe and reliable by following these six practical fall car maintenance tips.

1. Change the engine oil and filter. Regular oil and filter changes will keep the vital engine parts well-lubricated. The frequency for having the oil and filter changed depends on your vehicle and the type of oil used. While you’re having the oil changed, this is also a good time to take a look at the engine air filter. If it’s dirty, have it replaced.
2. Check the other vital engine fluids. The level and condition of brake fluid, steering fluid, transmission fluid and the antifreeze should be checked once a month. These engine fluids are going through a lot of use each time you drive your vehicle. Over time, the fluids begin to get old and break down. That means they can’t do what they are designed to do – protect your engine. In checking the fluids, you will want to look for certain things. If you have to add brake fluid or steering fluid, there’s a leak somewhere in that particular system and you will need to have it fixed. If you are low on transmission fluid or it’s brown/black in color or smells like it is burnt, you should have your transmission checked. It’s burning hotter than it should and there’s a problem. Lastly, when it comes to your fall car maintenance, the antifreeze (aka coolant) should have enough protection to get you through the winter months. Again, if you have to add antifreeze, there’s a problem in the system (possibly a leaking hose or radiator).
3. Check belts and hoses. Bulging, dry, cracked or hard hoses could fail at any time. Belts that are cracked, shiny or dry should also be replaced before they fail. If not, you run the risk of having them break while you are driving. That could lead to the engine heating up past its maximum safe temperature which could severely damage the engine. When you bring your vehicle to our shop for regular maintenance, we will check all visible belts and hoses to make sure they are in good condition.
4. How are the tires? Do they have enough tread? Are they wearing evenly? Even if your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, you should be checking the tire pressure once a month. Underinflated tires cause a safety risk not to mention use more gas. Have the tires rotated every time you have the engine oil changed. When it comes time to replace the tires, give us a call. We carry a wide selection of tire brands and can assist you in selecting the right tires for your vehicle and budget.
5. Make sure your visibility is optimized. Fall means less daylight hours and making it even more important to make sure you can see and be seen. Once a month, do a driveway check to make certain the headlights, signals, brake and back-up lights are working. Replace any burnt-out bulbs (we can do this for you, just ask). Change the wiper blades. If the windshield has any cracks, chips or dings, have it repaired or replaced. For older vehicles with yellowed or cloudy headlights, have them restored so they will shine brightly.
6. Is your battery up for the colder winter months? Extreme hot and cold temperatures will cause an older battery to fail. It’s not fun to go out and try to start your vehicle to only find the battery has died. This is especially so when it’s really cold out. We can perform a test on your battery to let you know how it’s doing. If the battery is approaching 4 years in age, have it replaced.

Let the ASE-certified technicians at Colonial Service Station handle your fall car maintenance so your vehicle is ready for the colder months. Click here to schedule your fall car maintenance appointment now.