5 Tips for Fall Car Care

Get your car ready for fall with these five tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

October is Fall Car Care month. Fall is the perfect time to get your car ready for winter weather, especially before snow hits the ground. Use these five easy tips to prepare your car for autumn from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Check the Tires

As with any vehicle check, tires are a must. Check tire tread depth, and look for any signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bald spots.

Check the tire pressure, and adjust it accordingly using the PSI listed in your owner’s manual or driver’s side door jamb. Tire pressure drops when the temperatures drop, so keep a regular schedule of tire pressure maintenance.

2. Inspect the Battery

Check the battery connections to make sure they’re tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Harsh winter weather can be hard on a vehicle battery. So you want to check the battery and charging system before the cold sets in.

Make sure you change your battery following the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

3. Check Wiper Blades, Defrosters, and Heater

Not only is checking your vehicle’s heating, venting, and cooling (HVAC) system important for comfort. It’s important for your safety, too. You’ll need it for defrosting and visibility in the colder months.

You’ll also want to check your wiper blades to make sure they’re not cracked, torn, or leaving streaks across your windshield. Generally, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

When you go to change your wiper blades, you can also check the level of windshield wiper fluid in your car’s reservoir.

4. Have Your Brakes Checked

It’s important that your brake system is fully prepared to take on winter weather. At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can bring your vehicle in for a wheel brake inspection. That includes a road test for braking symptoms, inspection of condition and level of brake fluid, and inspection of master cylinder.

Our automotive service center also offers brake replacement and installation.

5. Check Your Lights

Make sure your headlights and taillights (including brake lights, fog lights, and hi-beams) are in working order. This is especially important since you’ll be using them more, as it gets darker much earlier.

Also check the clarity of the light lenses. Cloudy lights aren’t as easy to see, and it cuts down on your visibility on the road. There are a few simple cleaning solutions for your headlights.

Regular car maintenance can give your vehicle a longer life. And it can help you stay safer on the road.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand that. That’s why every Blain’s Farm and Fleet store has an automotive service center for your service needs. This includes things like brake inspections and tire installation.

You can get a quote online. Or call 1-800-365-9936 to talk to tire specialists, make appointments, and reach our auto customer care.

For more tips on vehicle maintenance, visit our Automotive Blog.