With the changes of the seasons always comes the time to prepare for the upcoming weather conditions. With winter weather just on the horizon, we want to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay safe and prepared. So we compiled a fall car care checklist for you to follow to inspect your vehicle before temperatures drop and severe weather starts. Be sure you are staying up to date with your regular maintenance requirements as well as any other issues that may have arisen throughout the summer. The team at Impact Truck & Auto is here to help you every step of the way. We want you to feel safe and secure in your vehicle, no matter the season.

Check Your Heating and Lights

The first thing you should make sure is working properly is your heating system. As temperatures drop, this should be a top priority. This also includes your defrosting system. If your heating and defrosting isn’t working by the time snow and ice rolls around, your car will be undriveable. So, turn on your heating system now to test it and see what happens after it's presumably been off all summer. If your heater is blowing cold air, your cooling system might have a problem. This would be something to bring to your mechanic's attention. They’ve seen this kind of thing countless times before and will be able to fix it quickly. After you’ve got your heating system figured out, make sure that all of your lights are working properly. With the days getting shorter and the dark hours becoming more frequent, it is important to have all of your lights and blinkers working before Winter comes.

Make Sure Your Tires and Brakes are Functional

As everyone probably knows, your brakes are of the utmost importance when we’re discussing the safety of your vehicle. Without properly functional brakes, you are at risk for a whole host of accidents and disasters. You should be checking on the quality and functionality of your brakes at least twice a year. You will know when your brakes need replacing because the material on them will be 4mm or less. If you drop below 3mm, your brakes are considered a safety hazard.

As for your tires, the depth and pressure should both be checked before the snow starts to fall. In Pennsylvania, you should absolutely consider investing in studded or Winter tires. These will keep your vehicle on the road because they have more grip when it comes to snow and ice. When you’re checking your tire pressure, make sure that you are following the specific guide for your vehicle. If your pressure is low, use a compressor or a pump and add air. If it is too high, use a valve to let some of it out.

Fluids and Filters

As the seasons shift, it becomes even more important to make sure your fluids are topped up and your filters are replaced in a timely manner. This will keep your lines from freezing in the cold weather. Make sure you are being especially diligent about your oil and filters. If you have dirty oil in your lines, it can cause serious problems for how your vehicle functions. Your cooling system and antifreeze should also be cleaned out in the fall. This should be done every two years, but it is better to be safe than sorry if you’re not sure when you changed it last. Also make sure to check your engine oil. Finally, check your battery and make sure it is working consistently.

Address Any Neglected Maintenance

Fall is a great time to check out your car’s manual and go over the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle. If your car is out of a service or one of your maintenance schedules is off, now is the time to take it to the shop. During this time, if you have any problems you’ve been neglecting, address them before they become bigger concerns. Ignoring issues, no matter how small they might be, can lead to accidents you don’t want to deal with. It is wiser to take care of things now than later, when the weather is dark and the days are short.

Keep Your Vehicle Stocked

If you’ve lived in a place that has cold and snowy Winters for a while, you know that there are some essentials you need to keep stocked in your vehicle. These include an ice scraper.snow brush, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, water, clothes, snacks, first aid kit etc. These things can really save you in an emergency. If you don’t have anything stocked in your vehicle, it is a good idea to acquire these things and keep them on-hand to help you in the future.

Bring Your Vehicle in to Us for Fall Maintenance Prep

If you want your vehicle looked at by a professional to prepare for the shift in the seasons, Impact Truck & Auto is ready to help you. We can take a look at your vehicle’s operation and replace your fluids. We can also address any problems you’ve been ignoring that might worsen during the next season. Contact us today by giving us a call at (814) 387-5031 or visiting our website at www.impacttrucks.com!

Fall Vehicle Maintenance Tips and Responsible Driver Checklist