It’s that time of year again. The leaves are turning brilliant shades and falling from the trees. Gone are the muggy, dog days of summer and the crispness of the autumn season awaits.

Shifting from the warmer months to the fall season means it’s time to take a look at your car and ensure that you’re ready to make the seasonal switch. So what should you do for your car at this time of year?

Here are some best practices for car maintenance for autumn:

~ Check your tires – as the weather starts to get worse, you want to be sure that your tires are ready to handle challenging road conditions. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure as well. Temperature changes can affect pressure. (We’ll be talking winter tires in an upcoming post – stay tuned!)

~ Check your brakes – as with your tires, you want your brakes in top shape to handle seasonal weather. This post shares some common indications that your brakes might need attention.

~ Have a look at your wiper blades – with the increased precipitation of the season, shoddy wiper blades can be very dangerous. If they are worn, cracked and otherwise not doing their job, time to replace them.

~ Check your battery – starting your car up in colder weather requires a fully charged battery in good condition. Look out for corrosion or loose cables and make sure your battery is clean.

~ Check your fluids, oil and air filters – all key to keeping your car humming along.

~ Check your lights – as the nights get longer and the days get darker, your lights are more important than ever. Make sure that they are all working. Did your summer road trips leave your lights with a layer of grime? This can affect their efficiency so give them a clean to ensure they are shining bright.

~ If your heating or ventilation system has been on the fritz, now’s the time to deal with any issues. While you may have gotten away without proper de-fogging or heat during the summer, with the rains of the season (and snow just around the corner) these systems are critical, not just for your comfort but for your safety (think visibility!)

It’s important to keep your car well-maintained. While a trip to the mechanic will cost you, it will help you to save money down the line, avoiding expensive repairs and ensuring that your car lasts as long as it should and does its part in providing a dependable form of transportation. Finding the best car insurance rates makes financial sense, as does keeping your car in tip top form.

So go ahead and get that car of yours tuned up and checked out. Use the above list as a reference and ask your trusted mechanic what else is important for your vehicle. The winter is fast on our heels and you want to be sure your car is in good shape to handle the harshness of the cold months to come.

If you’re looking for car insurance this fall, click here or just give us a call.

Image source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net | dan