As summer winds down and we think about getting the kids back in school or your first days at the University of Colorado, it’s also time to start thinking about getting your car ready for fall. As the seasons change, so do your car’s needs.
Now is the perfect time to focus on preventive maintenance for your vehicle. Give your car some attention in order to make sure that your car is ready before the cold sets in. Save yourself from headaches and the cost of an emergency breakdown later on by following the steps below.
Battery
Battery efficiency drops off significantly during the winter months. To make matters worse, there aren’t any signs before failure occurs.
Before the first cold snap hits, we advise keeping your battery connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Also, make it a point to replace batteries that are more than 3 years or have your battery checked to avoid getting stranded.
Fluid levels
Check all fluid levels regularly, including antifreeze, transmission, power steering and brake. These fluids help keep the vehicle’s temperature within normal range, remove debris that may have accumulated and help neutralize internal corrosion.
Brakes
Brakes are used as regularly as any other part in your car, so expect normal wear to occur over time. Make it a point to have the brake systems checked, including the drums and rotors by your favorite car mechanic. It’s best to plan ahead and replace brakes proactively to avoid a more extensive problem later.
Oil and filter
Check the oil level at every gas fill-up. Have your oil changed, along with the oil filter, as specified in your owner’s manual.
For your next oil change, you might want to consider using the synthetic version. This is recommended as it removes more deposits, provides superior cold-temperature performance and has been proven to last longer as compared to conventional motor oil. Of course, some vehicles require special oil these days, so check with your auto mechanic first on the recommended formulation for your car or truck.
Tires
The performance of your car tires is critical to the efficiency and safety of your vehicle. Be sure to check your tire’s pressure and tread depth. Also, don’t forget to check each tire for any bald spots or bulges.
Recommendation!
If you are driving in Colorado – and especially if you are new to our gorgeous and mountainous State, bring your car in to a professional you trust for a complete safety check. If you don’t yet have a trusted mechanic in Boulder, Colorado – contact the experts at Allegiance Automotive and we’ll make sure your car is Colorado road ready!