Kids are back at school and the leaves are going to start to change very soon. Fall is on the horizon! Fall brings weather changes and road conditions that are different than the hot black top in summer. It’s important to have your vehicle ready for the months ahead; especially in terms of safety, and the fact that winter is soon on the horizon. Here are some things to do to make your life a little easier with your vehicle this fall season.
Cleaning the inside can be very helpful. Consider all the sand, dirt, leaves, and fingerprints that end up everywhere after a day at the beach or a family hike. For leather in your car, soap and water is a great way to clean so you don’t ruin the leather.
At your next routine maintenance or oil change, ask about belts, hoses, spark plugs, and anything minor that could get overlooked. Cracks, leaks, and wear in the belts and hoses can cause major issues down the line. One major problem with belts and hoses can be overheating, which can lead to a list of other issues.
It is very important to replace your car’s fluid levels regularly, or at least check if they are where they need to be. At Schmit Bros, we do this with every routine oil change and tire maintenance, so it is one less thing you have to worry about. This includes windshield washer fluids, transmission fluids, coolant, brake fluids, and power steering fluids.
Check the tread, inflation, and overall condition of your tires. Again, this is something we do every oil change and tire rotation for you and notify you if we see an issue. Rotate your tires so that your tires wear evenly. Also, make sure your tires contain the appropriate amount of air. Cold weather causes tires to lose air quickly, which is why in fall it’s extra important to check these things.
Getting stranded on the side of the road, at any time of the year, is not fun. As the weather turns cooler, you really need to be prepared for a roadside emergency. Stocking your vehicle with the following items will make things a lot easier in case something happens:
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-Gloves
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-Ice scraper
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-Blanket
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-First aid kit
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-Jumper cables
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-Flashlight
It goes without saying, but changing your oil at the recommended oil change interval is of utter importance. It used to be recommended to change your oil every 3,000 miles, however, this has changed due to the construction of modern engines and the use of synthetic oil. If your car has an oil-monitoring system, you can use this device as a guide.
Check to make sure your heat is working properly. You really do not want to be without it when cold weather hits, not only for comfort, but a lot of times for visibility as well. Make sure the defroster works because driving with a fogged-up windshield is unsafe.
It is important to check your brakes before the fall and winter months. Brakes are crucial for safe driving and cold weather will heighten brake problems because roads will become more slippery from snow and ice.
Consider investing in all-weather floor mats to save the flooring of your car from not only dirt and grime, but eventual potential rust issues. These mats are long-lasting to protect your car’s floors against water, snow, dirt, and grime. They also do a good job of holding up against general wear and tear. The best part is you can use them all year long, not just in the colder months.
Make sure that all your lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and flashers, are working as they should. Replace any broken or blown-out bulbs. This is important because other drivers can see you on the road, even in bad weather or when visibility is low.
Check the battery for charge and signs of corrosion. If your car needs a new battery, bring your car here to Schmit Bros where we are happy to help replace your battery, along with checking other details on your car to ensure your safety on the road. It is always wise to keep a set of jumper cables in your car as well.
If you think you’ll need vehicle repair or maintenance before the fall and winter seasons, give us a call! We’re happy to check everything you may need to ensure your car runs as smoothly as possible! Stop in today or give us a call at 262-284-8844 and ask for Angie at Dodge or Mike at Ford!