Many drivers are aware of their car’s special needs for winter and summer driving. But summer is a great time to catch up on general fall car maintenance and vehicle upkeep. Having a reliable car is about more than comfort and convenience. It’s also about safety. No one wants to get stranded because of a preventable break-down. Here’s a quick look at how to prepare your car for fall.
Tires and Brakes
As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. For an accurate reading, measure tire pressure while the car is still parked. You aren’t likely to get the same readings after driving even short distances. Inspect the tire tread depth. If it looks like you’ll need new tires, this gives you time to shop around and have them installed before harsh winter weather sets in. Have any uneven tire wear investigated by your mechanic; regular tire rotation can reduce uneven wear on tires. Examine brakes thoroughly. Brake pads especially need regular replacement. Putting this off can limit your ability to stop safely in Auburn, GA, and lead to brake rotor damage and more costly repairs.
Exterior Car Care
Top off or replace washer fluid. Winter weather makes it more likely that rain may freeze on your windshield. Washer fluid can help prevent this making winter driving safer. Replace the windshield wipers and don’t forget about the back windshield wiper. Check the headlamps and all other lights for broken bulbs. Less daylight in fall means greater reliance on these visual signal lights for safety. Clean or replace headlamp lenses if yours have become clouded.
Give the exterior of the vehicle a good washing to remove summer and fall debris from insects to tree sap, road dust, leaves, and ordinary grime. It’s also a good time to wipe down the interior. Clear the dust from the dashboard and console. Shake out the floor mats, vacuum the seats and the floorboards, and clean the windows inside and out. Wax the exterior of the car for added protection from the elements.
Common Car Care Questions, Answered
While every vehicle is different and each driver varies widely in skill and habits, there are several car care questions that come up over and over again. People often have questions about tires, noises their car can make, engine warning lights, and more. Read on for answers to some of the top car care questions from your fellow motorists.
What Do Those Engine Lights Mean?
Beyond recognizing that it’s probably not good news, many drivers aren’t always sure what the engine light means when they illuminate the dash. Every car comes with an owner’s manual but over time, those manuals can be lost or damaged, leaving drivers without answers. Engine warning lights go on when a computer in the car has been alerted to trouble. Among the most common reasons that engine warning lights go on is low tire pressure (an exclamation point surrounded by a U or W), regular maintenance needed (a wrench), and engine trouble (the letters SES or an engine). Because there are hundreds of possible reasons for the computer to be activated, a skilled auto mechanic is usually best qualified to identify the cause.
How Long Do Brakes Last?
Depending on your driving style and road conditions, the life of your brakes can vary. Lots of stop-and-go city driving wear on brakes much harder than frequent highway driving. If you notice your brake pedal feels soft or your brakes are making a noise, it’s time to see a mechanic, no matter how recently your brakes were serviced. Brake noises may sound like squeaks or squeals. Grinding noises require immediate attention. Regular car maintenance can help keep your brakes in good shape in between appointments to service your vehicle.
Why Won’t My Car Start?
A no-start always seems to come at the worst time. And there can be several reasons why your car suddenly won’t start. Some common reasons include a failure of the starter, alternator or battery. The starter is what gets the engine to turn over and the alternator is what keeps electric current running through the engine, including the battery. A mechanic at your local auto repair shop can perform an inspection to determine which of these is the likely cause. Regular maintenance can maximize the life of your starter, alternator, and battery.
Why Does the Steering Wheel Shake?
A shaking steering wheel can be startling, and there can be several causes for this. Most often, the tires are off-balance or out of alignment, or the car’s suspension could need attention. Some of it is determined by how and when the steering wheel starts shaking. Having your tires inspected and rotated regularly can help with balance and alignment issues. Possible suspension problems should be looked at by a mechanic.
When your car isn’t performing as expected, it’s important to check in with a trusted mechanic. The problem could be as simple as a gas cap that needs replacement or brakes and rotors that need to be fixed. Call Baker Sound & Security today for trusted and reliable service. No matter what your car care question is, the highly trained technicians at our Station can help.