October is Fall Car Care Month and it is the perfect time to get your vehicle the services it needs after a hot summer. That’s because the summer heat, especially here in Arizona, tends to drain the components and systems. The change in seasons is also a great time to prepare your vehicle for the cooler temperatures to come.

To make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter, it is important to have your brakes, tires, and HVAC system checked, along with other vehicle parts and systems. We have put together some maintenance tip to help you get started. We know how much you rely on your vehicle for both personal and work-related needs. When you follow these seasonal preventative maintenance tips, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and maybe even prevent larger, more expensive repairs later.

The History of Car Care Month

The Car Care Council recommends two months each year to bring attention to the importance of car care and preventative maintenance. These months are National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October. Since April and October signal the upcoming arrival of new seasons, they’re the perfect months to complete preventative maintenance on your car to make sure it’s ready for the season ahead.

Now that you know when to acknowledge these months, what types of services are recommended? Check out the list below!

9 Vehicle Maintenance Tips For Fall Car Care Month This October

When you schedule an appointment with your trusted mechanic at your favorite local auto repair shop, these are some of the maintenance items they’ll recommend for Fall Car Care Month:

1. Top Off the Fluids

Your vehicle needs various types of fluids for its components to run smoothly. These fluids can evaporate during the summer heat or simply get used up over time. Keep your car’s parts and systems running well by scheduling an oil change or topping off brake, transmission, windshield wiper, and power steering fluids.

2. Check the Hoses and Belts

These important parts must be in good condition in order for your vehicle to run smoothly and safely. Your mechanic will check for leaks, cracks, brittle areas, or any other signs of damage. Hoses and belts will be replaced as needed for function and safety.

3. Get a Battery Inspection

Extreme heat can damage your battery and even make it fail completely, often when you least expect it. Your mechanic can test your car’s battery and inspect it for any damage. Battery service includes checking for leaks and corrosion but keep in mind that a new battery may also be warranted.

4. Have Your Brakes Inspected

Brakes are important for driving safety all year long but unfortunately, they’re often ‘out of sight, out of mind’ until a problem arises. Your mechanic can check the pads, rotors, and other important brake parts to make sure they’re in good condition. Keep an eye out for brake specials, too, as October often means your local auto repair shop could be participating in a Brakes For Breasts campaign. This is a great way for you to support a good cause while saving money on brake service or repairs.

5. Check the Exhaust System

Exhaust system leaks could be dangerous and also affect how your vehicle functions. Have this system inspected for leaks, holes, rust, or any other signs of damage. If you notice anything unusual, like reduced fuel mileage or strange smells, schedule service right away.

6. HVAC System Repairs

This system works to do more than keep your car’s A/C doing its job. It cools, heats, ventilates and dehumidifies the entire vehicle interior. You’ll likely need the defrost in cooler weather, so now is a great time to make sure this system is in working order.

7. Steering and Suspension Condition

Having shock absorbers, struts, and other steering and suspension parts inspected annually is an important part of vehicle safety.

8. The Condition of Your Tires is Crucial to Your Safety

Regardless of the season, tire condition is one of the most important factors for driving safety. This includes physical condition, like tread depth, but also the tires’ air pressure. Since changes in outdoor temperatures can significantly affect tire pressure, it’s important to check pressure and tire condition several times of year.

9. Wipers and Lights May Need Replacement

Winter weather can be unpredictable and being able to see and be seen is an important part of driving safety. Have your wipers and lights inspected to be sure they’re adequately doing their job. If they’re damaged or malfunctioning in any way, your mechanic may recommend complete replacement.

Fall Care Care Month Is the Perfect Time to Visit Our Tempe Auto Repair Shop

As the days start to get shorter, let it serve as a reminder that this time of year is the perfect season for preventative maintenance. Keeping you safe and your vehicle running as it should be is always our priority. We know how important your vehicle is to get you back and forth to work, drop off and pick up the kids at school, and to take road trips and make memories. You may even use your vehicle for work purposes. Schedule an appointment with us today and let’s see what we can do for you! Fall Car Care Month savings and safety are just a phone call away!