As we all know, summer is coming to a close, and fall is rapidly approaching, bringing with it cooler temperatures, shorter days, and unpredictable weather conditions such as rain or fog. Whether you're traveling to see extended family, or simply driving to your nearest coffee shop to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte, taking the time to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming weather changes will help you ensure that your travel experience remains safe and efficient, no matter where you're headed. That said, here are 5 maintenance tasks you'll want to add to your fall checklist:
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
Did you know that temperature can have a significant impact on your tire pressure? In fact, according to law of thermodynamics, air contracts when it cools and expands when it’s warm. This is especially relevant when it comes to your tires. When the temperature drops, the air in your tires can contract, resulting in under-inflation. In turn, this can lead to poor handling, increased rolling resistance, and longer stopping distances, all of which impact not only your safety but also the overall health of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important to inspect your tires and add more air if necessary during the colder months.
2. Check Your Battery
Yes, cold weather can affect your car battery, and here’s why. Car batteries rely on different chemical reactions to generate electricity. In cold temperatures, these chemical reactions slow down, which can cause the battery's capacity to drop by around 20-30%. This can become a safety hazard due to the battery's role in powering essential components such as the engine, headlights, and defroster. Therefore, during the colder months, it’s important to keep your battery fully charged. If you are unsure of how to check your battery, feel free to reach out to our service center, where you can speak to one of our trusted service advisors who can diagnose the issue.
3. Check Your Brakes
While this is one of the more obvious tasks on our list, it’s still worth mentioning. In winter, having your brakes work effectively during snow, hail, and ice is crucial due to the road hazards. However, inspecting your brakes in the fall can still be beneficial. The reason for this is that brake rotors and pads can become more brittle in colder months. While this is generally not a significant issue due to the modern materials used by most automotive manufacturers, it’s still wise to check. Pay attention to any unusual sounds coming from the brakes while driving. That said, if you do feel unsafe operating your vehicle due to your brakes or any other service concerns, feel free to schedule your service appointment with us today!
4. Check Your Wiper Blades
Checking your wiper blades during the fall season is definitely one of the more important tasks on this list. Due to the increased amount of rainfall, having effective wiper blades is crucial during this season. Additionally, leaf accumulation, as well as falling twigs, dirt, and debris, are important hazards that may obstruct your visibility while driving. Simply testing their functionality and/or purchasing new wiper blades may be the best way to prepare for the upcoming months. For Our Stellantis customers, feel free to visit our online Mopar store, in order to order windshield wipers or any other parts you may need.
5. Check Your Lights
With fall comes shorter days and reduced hours of daylight. Additionally, we often see a lot of fog during these months due to the significant amount of moisture in the air. This can make it difficult to see other drivers or falling debris, which is common in autumn. If you can’t see the road, it’s highly likely that other drivers can’t see you either, creating a dangerous driving environment that could lead to a call to your local collision center. Therefore, before getting on the road, make sure all your headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights are functioning properly to enhance your visibility and safety.
