With summer almost behind us and the promise of cooler days on the way, it’s time to start thinking about getting your car ready for Fall. Here are a few easy car maintenance tips that will help keep your vehicle in tip-top condition so that you are driving as safe and comfortable as possible after finishing the hot summer:
- Car Battery – Fall is a good time to inspect your car battery, making sure the cables and terminals are tight for good contact. If you are going to store your vehicle for an extended period of time, you may want to invest in a trickle charger.
- Headlights – As cars age, the headlights can become cloudy or hazy, especially if you routinely park outside. Cloudy lenses compromise your night vision and reduce the effectiveness of your headlights by up to 80 percent. Headlight restoration kits are available for very little cost.
- Tires – Proper maintenance and responsible driving can enhance the number of miles you will get out of a set of tires. Monthly tread inspections are important. If you notice that your tires have less than 1/8-inch of tread left, it’s time for new tires. All-season tires provide well-rounded performance and may be enough for your climate. If you live in a snowy climate, snow/winter tires may be what you need.
- Wash and Wax – Wash your car to clean off summer’s dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree sap. You can then wax it as it will help keep your car’s finish looking new, although waxing may need to be done about every two or three months.
- Windshield Wipers – If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, then it’s time to replace them—or clean them. Wipers deteriorate quickly and typically need to be replaced every six to 12 months.
- Potential problems – Pay attention to signs of potential problems, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “drift” to the side of the road. Inform your mechanic of your observations so that they can be checked out and fixed to prevent small problems from turning into big problems.
Need to know more about why vehicle maintenance is important for fall? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the recommended car maintenance schedule and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
With summer almost behind us and the promise of cooler days on the way, it’s time to start thinking about getting your car ready for Fall. Here are a few easy car maintenance tips that will help keep your vehicle in tip-top condition so that you are driving as safe and comfortable as possible after finishing the hot summer:
- Car Battery – Fall is a good time to inspect your car battery, making sure the cables and terminals are tight for good contact. If you are going to store your vehicle for an extended period of time, you may want to invest in a trickle charger.
- Headlights – As cars age, the headlights can become cloudy or hazy, especially if you routinely park outside. Cloudy lenses compromise your night vision and reduce the effectiveness of your headlights by up to 80 percent. Headlight restoration kits are available for very little cost.
- Tires – Proper maintenance and responsible driving can enhance the number of miles you will get out of a set of tires. Monthly tread inspections are important. If you notice that your tires have less than 1/8-inch of tread left, it’s time for new tires. All-season tires provide well-rounded performance and may be enough for your climate. If you live in a snowy climate, snow/winter tires may be what you need.
- Wash and Wax – Wash your car to clean off summer’s dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree sap. You can then wax it as it will help keep your car’s finish looking new, although waxing may need to be done about every two or three months.
- Windshield Wipers – If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, then it’s time to replace them—or clean them. Wipers deteriorate quickly and typically need to be replaced every six to 12 months.
- Potential problems – Pay attention to signs of potential problems, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “drift” to the side of the road. Inform your mechanic of your observations so that they can be checked out and fixed to prevent small problems from turning into big problems.
Need to know more about why vehicle maintenance is important for fall? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the recommended car maintenance schedule and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
