Quick Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Fall

Now that you’ve gotten your home ready for fall by using these tips,

it’s time to do the same with your car. Just like your home, fall is a great time to do some preventative maintenance on your vehicle before it’s tested by harsh winter weather. Depending on where you live, you may get snow and ice as early as October, so it’s important to have your vehicle ready.

Fill fluids. You’ll need wiper fluid to wash the nasty grime of road salt, slush, and moisture residue off your windshield. Make sure you use a fluid that is meant for cold weather conditions, otherwise it may freeze on your windshield and won’t be very helpful. As always, do routine oil, transmission, and HVAC fluid checks throughout the winter to ensure your car’s engine and electrical system runs smoothly.

Check tire tread. If you get a lot of snow and ice where you live, it’s critical that you have good tires on your vehicle. Make sure the tread is in good shape and not worn down so you have good traction.

Check and replace brake pads as needed. Good brakes are another necessity in bad weather. You need to be able to go downhill slowly and navigate safely if you skid on an icy patch.  You want to make sure your brake pads have enough “grab” so they can help you stop suddenly if you need to.

Check headlights. Visibility is essential when driving in snow and icy conditions, and if one of your headlights is out, it can be very risky to simply rely on one to see where you’re going.  Replace any burned out head- or taillight bulbs to ensure your visibility is good.

Assemble an emergency kit. Bad weather can strike at any time, so make sure you’re prepared. Pack an emergency kit to keep in your trunk that contains cat litter (to help with traction if you’re stuck), a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, and even some non-perishable food just in case.

Auto maintenance is essential all year round so your vehicle is in good working condition. Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some preventative maintenance can go a long way towards keeping you and your passengers safe. ETA Benefits Group works with several auto insurance carriers and can shop around to find the best coverage for your needs. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote.

What else can you do to prepare your car for winter weather? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!