How to Tune up Your Car for Safe Driving this Fall
A detailed inspection of your vehicle is very important to guarantee your safety as the season change and the fall cold sets in. This can include checking your car’s battery, brakes, heating, and even the auto glass, among others. Windshield protection is very important for your vehicle to function well on the roads, allowing you to drive safely. Here are some tips for getting your car ready for the colder months:
Fluids, Hoses and Belts, Battery
Check all the fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. When you are checking the hoses and belts, make sure you are reviewing the following things. Make sure that they are in good condition and not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose, or showing excessive signs of wear and tear. The primary purpose of your battery is to start the engine, so replace it if necessary and make sure the connection is clean and tight.
Brakes, Exhaust System, Tune Up
Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature in your car, so remember, whenever you do an oil change, check your brakes and have the brake linings, rotors, and drums inspected. Leaving your exhaust system unattended can be very life-threatening and must be fixed immediately. Look out for leaks, damage, and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Scheduling a tune-up can help update the engine to provide the best fuel economy and efficiency.
Heat and A/C, Steering and Suspension, Tires, Wipers and Lighting
Checking for the heating and air conditioning system is simply for your benefit and self-comfort and for safety issues such as defrosting. When inspecting the steering and suspension system, make sure you are looking for the following parts of the shock absorbers, struts, and chassis parts: ball joints, tie rod ends, and any other related components.
Check your tire pressure and treads. Tires should be also be checked for uneven wear and tear that causes bulges and bald spots, which might be very dangerous on the road. It is vital to check your wipers and lights because that is your only source of sight when encountering heavy rains and storms.
Auto Glass Repair or Replacement
During the fall, it’s common to have debris come flying at your windshield as more people begin their cleanup of falling leaves, branches, and rocks. The resulting impact can cause a stone chip on the auto glass, prompting the need for a repair before the crack spreads. Additionally, the drastic change in temperature as it drops can cause stress breaks on your car’s auto glass, which can only be properly fixed with an auto glass replacement.
Ignoring these signs of damage will only negatively impact your safety on the road. You shouldn’t wait for cracks and chips to spread or even scratches to accumulate and block your line of sight. By getting an auto glass repair or replacement early in the season, you’ll have a clear and unrestricted view of the road, allowing you to drive safely despite the harsh weather.