Fall Car Maintenance

Fall is an ideal time to take care of vehicle maintenance. Taking care of some of these tasks allows you to be more prepared for the cooler days ahead. If you don’t prioritize maintenance now, you may risk discovering that the cold weather was too much stress for your car’s older battery or that you’re unable to clear your windows because your wipers are damaged.

6 Maintenance Tasks to Put on Your Fall To-do List

These six tasks may help make your vehicle road-ready for the colder days ahead.

1. Check your tires. Your ability to brake and your car’s safety is tied to your vehicle’s tires. Check the tread depth of your tires with a tire gauge—and have a professional examine them for wear and tear. New tires can make all the difference in handling wintery driving conditions in Massachusetts.
2. Check your fluids. Your vehicle’s health is dependent on the performance of its various fluids. Now is a great time to check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid and power steering fluid to ensure their levels are what they need to be. Consider adding windshield wiper fluid graded for all seasons or the winter season to prevent your wiper fluid from freezing when the temps drop.
3. Check your vehicle’s battery. Ensure your battery’s cables and terminals are snug. Batteries differ; some are sealed, maintenance-free ones that require no upkeep. If you’re unsure how to inspect your battery, a vehicle repair shop can help make sure yours is in good working condition.
4. Check your lights. Ensure your lights—especially your vehicle’s exterior ones—work properly. If any aren’t functioning correctly, replace bulbs. This task is essential as night arrives earlier in the fall, making driving more challenging if your vehicle’s lights don’t work correctly.
5. Check your wipers. Colder fall days can bring rain, freezing temps and even snow. Ensure your wipers work and that your vehicle’s washer fluid is filled. If your windows are streaky when you use your wipers, it’s time to replace your blades.
6. Inspect your brakes. Impending winter weather conditions make it essential to ensure your brakes are working correctly. If you brake and feel less pressure or hear a high-pitched screeching sound, you should have your brakes inspected—and repaired, if needed. Many dealers recommend that your brakes be checked whenever your tires are rotated, every six months or so.

These vital vehicle to-dos can help ensure you are safe on the road.

Update Your Auto Insurance

Not only is it essential to stay updated on your vehicle’s maintenance by proactively making easy fixes before they become costly expenses, but it’s vital to ensure your auto insurance is up-to-date. Educators Insurance Agency helps Massachusetts drivers with their coverage needs, and we can also help you. Take time this fall to look at your existing coverage to see if any changes are needed. We can help you with a no-obligation insurance quote if you’re a new driver.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.