Fall is a great transition between the hot summer months and the cold winter months that have their own specific things to watch out for when it comes to car care. That makes fall the perfect time to start planning for cold, snowy, and icy conditions.
Switch to winter tires, and make sure they’re in good condition
Depending on where you live, your car tires should be either all-season or switched out for winter tires. Additionally, they need to be checked for tread wear, pressure, and balancing. Tires may lose a pound of pressure for every 10F drop in temperature, so checking all tires, including the spare, is essential.
Check the brakes
Icy or slick roads and bad weather mean that brakes need to be in tip-top shape. A full brake inspection should cover brake rotors, drums, and linings.
Make sure the battery works and is charged
The battery connections should be clean, tight, and uncorroded. What’s more, cold weather is hard on batteries, so they shouldn’t be more than three years old. There isn’t any warning system or signs for a failing battery, and winter isn’t the time to find out the hard way!
Check on wiper blades, defrosters, and heaters
The ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems should be working properly. This isn’t just for comfort, but also for making sure that the car defrosts properly.
Beyond this, wiper blades shouldn’t be torn or cracked, because smeared windshields are dangerous in the snow. And of course, windshield wiper fluid should be topped up too – muddy splashes are so common in winter after all!
Check the lights
All headlights and taillights (that includes fog lights, hi-beams, and brake lights) should be working and the lenses unclouded. Not only does it get darker earlier, but the weather conditions will mean that car lights have to be used for visibility.
Regular car maintenance is key to being safe and warm during fall and winter, but can end up costing a fair amount. That’s why AmeriCash Loans offers same day loans so that car care isn’t a headache. Apply for an easy, stress-free loan with us at americashloans.net/apply so that you can get the extra cash that you need for car repairs! Restrictions may apply.
