Fall Vehicle Maintenance Tips

October is Fall Car Care Month. Fall is the perfect time to get your car ready for winter weather. Different temperatures and weather patterns can affect your vehicle’s abilities, so it’s important that you take this time to get your automobile checked out by your trusted Quality Tune-Up auto repair shop to ensure it’s safe. 

Brakes - Your brake system must be fully prepared to take on the winter weather. We recommend having your brakes inspected and serviced if needed by a professional technician at least once a year.

Oil Change – most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles. Since your vehicle is already going to be at the shop getting these other fall car maintenance services performed, there’s a good chance it’s due for an oil change as well! Make it easy on yourself and get this completed now as well, rather than having to make a special trip later.

Cooling System – While it may seem strange to check your cooling system when winter is coming, your cooling system is still very active when the temperatures drop. Your Quality Tune-Up Shops technician will look at your radiator, belts, and hoses before colder temperatures arrive.

Check Your Fluid Levels - Depending on your comfort and knowledge level, either check or have a technician check your car’s fluids, including the engine oil and brake, transmission, and steering fluid. Make sure that your windshield washer fluid is filled before the wet weather arrives.

Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it. Our certified technicians will check your filters free of charge any time you are in for service. We replace your worn-out filter with a clean new filter made for your car.

Steering and Suspension – Ask your Quality Tune-Up Shops technician to look over your steering system, suspension, and front-end alignment. We recommend getting this done at least once a year, and before winter sets in. Our certified technicians will test your fluid free of charge when you come in for service with the Fluid RX system that indicates if the fluid is still within the manufacturers’ specs or if it should be replaced.

Tune-Up - If your vehicle is due for a tune-up, now is the perfect time to do it before the wet weather and cooler conditions arrive. Taking a few minutes now could save you a lot of headaches later.

Preventative maintenance can help ensure worry-free driving this Fall. Take advantage of the season to prepare your vehicle for the winter weather ahead.