Can you believe that Halloween is coming up and pumpkin spice lattes are in abundance? Even if you are still holding onto summer, now is the time to think about winter road trips during the holidays and seasonal changes that can affect your car. If you are wondering what types of seasonal maintenance to focus on, keep reading to find car care tips to ensure your vehicle is ready.
Fluids
The first thing you want to do is check your fluids. This is most critical of all, as the fluids not only lubricate your engine, they keep your car from overheating. This is a perfect time to pop the hood and look at your engine oil, coolant level, brake fluid, Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF, and power steering fluid. Be cautious if you have been driving your car because the coolant in your car is HOT and could severely burn you if you have been recently driving your car. If your vehicle has a transfer case or differential, you should also check these fluids to make sure there is no viscosity breakdown. If this feels overwhelming to tackle yourself, the ASE-certified professionals at John’s Automotive Care are here to help!
Tires
Walking around your vehicle and checking the condition of your tires is always a good idea, especially as the seasons change. Your tires are super essential because they are where the rubber meets the road, your braking ability, your handling performance, and overall the first line of defense regarding your safety.
Take a few minutes and measure each tire tread in three places. You can use a penny, and if the head of Lincoln is exposed, then it is time to drive directly to a shop for new tires. While you are at it, now is a good time to check the air pressure of your tires. Pay no heed to the listed pressure on the tire itself; check the driver’s door for a tag listing pressures.
Light check
As the days get shorter, we tend to drive after dark more frequently, so fall is an excellent time to give your car a walk around, checking on your headlights, running lights, reverse lights, and blinkers. If you find a light not working, it is most likely the lamp itself and is usually an easy fix. Some vehicles do need your bumper removed first, but in most cases, there is an access panel you can use to get in and replace the bulb. And remember, the team at John’s Automotive Care is available and willing to help you take care of all of your automotive repair needs.
Wiper Blades
With the change in the weather, we often have more sprinkles and grime on our windshields. This can be hard on your wiper blades. Because of this, fall is a great time to deep clean your windshield and change your wiper blades. The last thing you need while driving after dark is a streaky windshield blurring your vision.
Check the Brakes
It is important to know that your brakes are in good shape, so before the weather turns, you want to take the time to see if your brake pads are good to go. The rule of thumb is that you need a minimum of 4mm of brake pads to keep from replacing your discs and rotors.
Do you have Heat?
During the summertime, we rarely turn up the heat in our cars, but when you are cold and want to crank up the heat, you will want it to work well. Before the temperature drops, crank the heat and test to see if your thermostat is working properly. Different components of your heating system, such as the water pump, heater core, or thermostat, can develop issues at the most inopportune time.
Does your vehicle have any needs you know about?
Fall is an excellent time to meet with the team at John’s Automotive Care in LaMesa and discuss what repairs should be a priority and what repairs can wait. If you have a classic car or want to preserve your paint job, you might consider investing in a car cover if you don’t have covered parking available.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! When your vehicle needs auto repair, John’s Automotive Care is here to help. We proudly service many vehicles from La Mesa, Mission Valley, Mission Valley East, Grantville, Rolando, Rolando Village, Oak Park, Tierrasanta, Allied Gardens, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Kearny Mesa, and Hillcrest. While our auto mechanics service your vehicle, you can sit back and relax, knowing your car is in capable hands. We go above and beyond for you, whether that means offering your pup a biscuit, providing you with a thorough, detailed vehicle inspection, or walking you to your car after its service. To schedule an appointment at John’s Automotive Care, call us. We are located at 7447 University Ave, La Mesa, CA, 91942.