The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 684,000 accidents occur during falls. And this is mainly because many have developed a carefree attitude to car care. The fall season often showers rain and sometimes snow, causing damage to cars with weak parts. To avoid the worst, proper care should be given to cars during the fall season, and emphasis should be made on driving safety tips for fall.
This article outlines some car care tips for fall. By following them strictly, you can insure your car in good condition until the season is over. These tips are;
Check Your Tires
The tires are vital parts of a car. They are connected to your brakes, handling performance, and the overall safety of your car. This is why you should inspect them during the fall season to be on the safer side.
You first need to check the tire tread depth using a gauge or the penny test. Take the measurements of the outer, inner, and center tread. According to the legal safety standard of the United States, the tire tread should be at least 2/32″ deep. If it’s less than that, then you need a tire replacement. After that, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge.
Inspect the Fluids
Inspecting your car’s fluid is one of the car maintenance safety tips requiring close observation. This is because car fluids help keep your car running. Some cars don’t have differential and transfer case assemblies. But if your vehicle does, then you need to check the fluids.
Inspect the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. If the vehicle has hydraulic power steering and a dipstick, you’ll need to check the power steering fluid and transmission fluid as well. If you have no idea how to inspect and change them, have a professional do it.
Make Sure The Wiper Blades Are Functioning
The fall season comes with snow and rain. Therefore, driving with malfunctioned wiper blades is hazardous to your car and safety. Here are signs you need to change your windshield wipers;
- If the rubber is cracked, split, broken, or the blade looks rounded instead of the typical slant look.
- When it makes irritating noises, it isn’t cleaning your windshield well.
- If the frame or blade is bent, it won’t work correctly with the windshield.
- When your wiper causes streaks on your windshield as it moves, its another sign that it isn’t cleaning it.
- Poor windshield contact when it rains heavily.
When you observe these signs with your wiper blades, you need to change them immediately to improve visibility while driving on a rainy day.
Be Sure the Lights Are Working Properly
It’s no news that nighttime comes earlier during the fall season. Therefore, you’re more likely to be out when it’s dark. You’ll need to check out your car’s exterior lights continuously and change them if necessary. These lights include brake lights and reverse lights, among others.
If you notice a burnt-out bulb or experience difficulties seeing the dark, it’s a sign that you need to change your car’s light. Don’t try to manage a damaged light, as it could result in accidents or car damage. If you have problems fixing it, get a mechanic to help you with it.
Make Sure the Heater is Functioning
Like most drivers, you might not have turned on your heater during summer, but now that it’s fall season, it’s only beneficial that you turn on the heater.
The heater is connected to the engine cooling system and warms up the cabin with heat from the engine. So, if you notice the heater is blowing cold air, there is a cooling system problem. Either the water pump is faulty, or the heater core is clogged. And sometimes, it could be a result of an opened thermostat. A trusted auto service will help determine what it is.
Check the Brakes
This is one of the fall car care tips you shouldn’t take with levity. We all know how vital car brakes are and the repercussions of driving with damaged ones. Here are some ways to know if your brakes are worn out;
- If you continuously hear squeaking noises
- Halting the car takes longer than it should
- The brake pedal vibrates when you press it
- Most importantly, a reading of 3mmm or less signifies that you need to replace it immediately
Check Your Battery
During the fall season, you must always get your battery checked, so you can change it immediately if it becomes weak. As you’d agree, getting stuck in the rain sucks. Here are some signs you need to change your car battery;
- Dim lighting and electrical issues. Since the battery powers your car’s electrical systems, using them would be impossible if you have a weak battery.
- When you find starting your engine challenging, it’s a sign that your car battery is in the final stage.
- A bad battery can cause the battery to leak gas, protruding a bad smell
Have Your Air Filter Checked
A damaged air filter can adversely affect how your engine works. So, it’s essential to check your air filter occasionally, especially during the fall season, to avoid getting stranded in the cold. Here are some signs you may notice when your air filter needs replacement;
- Your engine makes odd noises
- The ‘check engine’ light that appears on the dashboard has different meanings. The light can automatically turn on if the filter is blocked. In cases like this, check for confirmation.
- A dirty or discolored filter is the easiest way to detect a filter change.
- Poor fuel economy.
- Poor performance of the engines.
- Black and offensive smoke from the exhaust.
Conclusion
Before the end of the fall season, you still have a chance to give proper care to your car and avoid any inconveniences. You can also follow some car cleaning tips and interior routines in addition to proper car care. If you need to replace some parts of your car, visit us at Lake Elsinore Honda. You can also check our inventory for the latest Honda cars that can withstand any season.
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