Fall brings cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, rainy roads, school activities, football weekends, and the beginning of holiday travel. It is also one of the best times of year to give your vehicle a little attention before small issues become inconvenient—or expensive—problems.
At Frank Myers Auto Repair, a division of Frank Myers Auto Maxx, we believe routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle, your budget, and the people riding with you. Here are seven areas every driver should consider this fall.
As temperatures change, tire pressure changes too. Tires that are underinflated can affect fuel economy, handling, and tire wear. Take a moment to check the pressure against the recommendation listed inside your driver’s door—not the maximum number printed on the tire itself.
It is also a good time to check tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracks, or damage. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, so they matter even more when rain, wet leaves, and colder pavement enter the picture.
A battery can seem perfectly fine until a chilly morning reveals that it is not. If your vehicle has been cranking slowly, the lights seem dim, or you do not remember when the battery was last replaced, have it tested now.
A quick battery check can help prevent the frustration of being late for work, school, or an important appointment because your vehicle will not start.
Fall rain and early-morning dew can make visibility a challenge. If your wipers streak, chatter, skip, or leave areas of the windshield uncleared, it is time to replace them.
Do not forget washer fluid. It is a small item, but clean glass and clear visibility make a real difference when you are driving in the dark or through bad weather.
With the days getting shorter, most of us will spend more time driving at dawn, dusk, or after dark. Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights, and license-plate lights.
A burned-out bulb may seem minor, but it can affect your visibility and make it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle and your intentions on the road.
Your vehicle should stop smoothly and confidently. Squeaking, grinding, vibrations in the brake pedal, pulling to one side, or a soft brake pedal are all signs that should be checked by a qualified technician.
Brakes are never the place to “wait and see.” Addressing a concern early can often help prevent more extensive repairs later.
Oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and other vehicle fluids all play an important role in keeping your vehicle running properly. A fall service visit is a good opportunity to make sure they are at the proper levels and in good condition.
It is also worth checking your engine air filter and cabin air filter. A clean cabin air filter can help improve airflow through your heating and air-conditioning system—something you will appreciate when cold mornings arrive.
Unexpected things happen, even in the Triad. Consider keeping a flashlight, jumper cables or jump pack, phone charger, tire gauge, blanket, bottled water, and basic first-aid supplies in your vehicle.
You may never need them, but it is better to have them and not need them than to be caught unprepared.
Fall is a season of transition, and a little preventive maintenance can help make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever your schedule brings. At Frank Myers Auto Repair, a division of Frank Myers Auto Maxx, our goal is to help you keep your vehicle safe, dependable, and ready for the road ahead.
