The changing of the seasons is usually a good time to get some maintenance done on your vehicle. As changing temperatures can affect how cars run, fall is a popular time to get a tune-up, but it’s also a good time of year to drag out your maintenance records and see what needs to be done. Consider this your fall maintenance checklist, with some things you can do yourself and others you should see a professional for.
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| Check and or replace your wiper blades. Summer heat, friction from being dragged across semi-damp windshields, and dry air can all contribute to your wiper blades developing cracks or splitting. |
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| Check your coolant level. Look for a screw-on cap near or on top of the coolant reservoir with a thermometer in water symbol on it. DO NOT REMOVE THE CAP WHILE IT’S HOT. Avoid adding anything that might gum up your radiator. |
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| Check your washer fluid. To find the reservoir, look for the cap under your hood with a picture of a windshield with drops on it. Use a funnel to pour in fluid, as most reservoirs are in an awkward spot. You can also use windshield washer fluid with de-icer to help clear snow and ice from your windshield while you’re driving. |
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| Change your air filters. Your cabin air filter gets a workout in the summer months, with pollen, dust and smoke all getting caught in its ridges. In most cars, the filter is located behind the glove box. Just pull out the old filter and slip in the new one. |
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| Check your tire thread to make sure they have a depth of 2/32 of an inch. Use a penny with Lincoln’s head facing toward the tire. If you can see the whole head, need new tires. If his head disappears between the threads, you’re usually good to go. |
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| Check the date on your battery. Batteries typically last 3-5 years. If your battery is close to expiring, have it tested by a mechanic. Batteries are fairly easy to install if you want to save yourself a few bucks. |
