9 Car Service Tips for Fall!
Fall has arrived and winter will be here before you know it. Now is the time to be thinking about the car service needed before heading into the cold of winter. If you have not yet had a car service following summer’s heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, don’t put it off any longer. The effects of winter could set the stage for a major repair, including a car A/C repair.
Consider the following nine service tips:
- Air Conditioning Unit -- Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer vehicles have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system, so hopefully, you can avoid a car A/C repair.
- Cooling System -- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. Checking it periodically will guard off breakdowns. Also check the tautness and condition of each of the drive belts, clamps, and hoses.
- Oil -- Have your oil and filter changed as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you make frequent short trips, extended trips with excessive cargo, or tow a trailer, you may need to have it changed more often.
- Engine Performance -- Check and replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. This will need to be done more often if you drive in dusty and dry conditions. If you are having hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power, make sure it is corrected before heading out into the rain and cold.
- Windshield Wipers -- Replace worn wiper blades and fill up the windshield washer reservoir.
- Lights -- Replace all burned out light bulbs, both inside and outside your car. Clean the dirt and insects from all lenses.
- Tires -- Make sure you are rotating your tires about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressure, tread wear, cupping, and sidewalls for cuts and nicks. If your vehicle has uneven tread wear or pulls to one side, have the alignment checked. Remember to check the spare and make sure the jack is in good condition.
- Brakes -- Brakes should be inspected as recommended according to your owner’s manual. However, sooner is better if you are noticing pulsations, grabbing, noises, or a longer stopping distance.
- Battery -- Clean the corrosion from posts and cable connections and tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, have the fluid level checked.
- Emergency Kit -- Be sure to carry some basic tools in case you get stranded, including a first aid kit, flares, flashlight, water, snacks, blanket and a cell phone and charger.
What does car service include? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about car repair plus other maintenance items and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
Fall has arrived and winter will be here before you know it. Now is the time to be thinking about the car service needed before heading into the cold of winter. If you have not yet had a car service following summer’s heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, don’t put it off any longer. The effects of winter could set the stage for a major repair, including a car A/C repair.
Consider the following nine service tips:
- Air Conditioning Unit -- Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer vehicles have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system, so hopefully, you can avoid a car A/C repair.
- Cooling System -- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. Checking it periodically will guard off breakdowns. Also check the tautness and condition of each of the drive belts, clamps, and hoses.
- Oil -- Have your oil and filter changed as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you make frequent short trips, extended trips with excessive cargo, or tow a trailer, you may need to have it changed more often.
- Engine Performance -- Check and replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. This will need to be done more often if you drive in dusty and dry conditions. If you are having hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power, make sure it is corrected before heading out into the rain and cold.
- Windshield Wipers -- Replace worn wiper blades and fill up the windshield washer reservoir.
- Lights -- Replace all burned out light bulbs, both inside and outside your car. Clean the dirt and insects from all lenses.
- Tires -- Make sure you are rotating your tires about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressure, tread wear, cupping, and sidewalls for cuts and nicks. If your vehicle has uneven tread wear or pulls to one side, have the alignment checked. Remember to check the spare and make sure the jack is in good condition.
- Brakes -- Brakes should be inspected as recommended according to your owner’s manual. However, sooner is better if you are noticing pulsations, grabbing, noises, or a longer stopping distance.
- Battery -- Clean the corrosion from posts and cable connections and tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, have the fluid level checked.
- Emergency Kit -- Be sure to carry some basic tools in case you get stranded, including a first aid kit, flares, flashlight, water, snacks, blanket and a cell phone and charger.
What does car service include? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about car repair plus other maintenance items and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.
