Fall Car Care Tips

Fall is here and we can’t wait for cooler weather, brown leaves, jack-o-lanterns and all the amazing food associated with the season! It’s also a great time to give your vehicle a once over to inspect some of the common items that might need attention as we roll into this time of year.

Vehicle Care for the Fall Season

Here are some vehicle care items that should be on your fall checklist:

Air filter
Your air filter is a vital part of keeping your car running well. It plays the heavy part of keeping dust and other debris from entering the engine. California has seen a lot of wildfires of late, and while they might not be directly in your area, smoke from wildfires can travel far and wide. Your air filter is a key component of keeping those contaminants out of your engine, so after the summer heat and wildfires, it’s a good idea to check and replace your air filter if needed.

Tires
The dry season is over, and we might be headed into some more rainy days as the year comes to a close. Check your tires and tread to ensure you have good grip even in inclement weather. Look for any abnormal wear not only on the tread, but on the sidewall. If you’re unsure if your tread depth is good, use the penny test. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Wipers
Again, we might be seeing some wet weather rolling in with the fall season, so it’s vital that your wiper blades are in proper working order. For everyone’s safety you’ll want a clear view of the road in case of a drizzle or a more substantial downpour.

Defroster
Another safety item for cooler weather is confirming that your window defroster works. In SoCal this isn’t really a concern for daytime driving too often, but if you have to leave early in the morning or are coming home late at night, you won’t want a fog of water/frost hazing up your windows.

Lights
It’s going to start getting darker earlier and earlier. While your drive home from work may have previously been in the sunlight, you might find yourself driving home after dark sooner than expected. Make sure all your lights are working, including headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.

Wash and wax
The fall season is full of beautiful natural change, and sometimes that nature will get all over your car in the form of leaves, sap, dust and more. Maintaining the exterior of your vehicle is important, too! Check out our wash and wax tips to keep your car’s clear coat and paint in the best condition possible.

Fall Vehicle Care

Are you ready for some fall fun? Make sure to give your vehicle the attention it needs this season to keep it in good working order.

Service if needed
If you notice something that needs attention during your fall car care inspection, contact any of our dealerships to learn more about their service departments and how they can help.