As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about how to prepare your vehicle for the cooler months ahead. While the fall season brings a break from the scorching summer heat, it also presents unique challenges for your car. Taking a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns and ensure your car runs smoothly through the fall and beyond.

At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, we’re committed to keeping your car in peak condition. Our team has put together this comprehensive fall maintenance checklist to help you prepare your vehicle for the season.

1. Check Your Battery

Cooler temperatures can take a toll on your car’s battery, making it harder to start your vehicle. Weak batteries are more likely to fail as the weather gets colder, so it’s essential to have your battery tested before fall is in full swing.

Tip: If your battery is more than three years old, it may be time for a replacement. We offer battery testing and replacement services to ensure you don’t get stranded on a cold morning.

2. Inspect Your Heating System

As temperatures drop, you’ll want to ensure your heating system is working properly. Not only does your heater keep you warm, but it’s also critical for defrosting your windshield on chilly mornings.

Tip: If your heater isn’t blowing warm air or if it’s taking longer than usual to heat up, schedule a checkup with our team to inspect and repair your heating system.

3. Check Tire Tread and Pressure

Proper tire traction is essential for fall driving, especially as roads can become slick with rain or falling leaves. Check your tire tread to ensure there’s enough grip for safe driving, and remember to check your tire pressure, as cooler temperatures can cause air pressure to drop.

Tip: If your tires are worn or uneven, it might be time for a replacement or rotation. At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, we can help with tire inspections, rotations, and replacements to keep your car safe on the road.

4. Replace Wiper Blades and Refill Washer Fluid

Autumn can bring unpredictable weather, from rain to early frost. It’s important to make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and that your washer fluid reservoir is full.

Tip: Wiper blades should be replaced every six months, and fall is the perfect time to ensure you have clear visibility during wet weather.

5. Test Your Brakes

Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature, and fall is an excellent time to ensure they’re in top shape. Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or any unusual sounds when braking could indicate it’s time for a brake inspection.

Tip: Don’t wait until your brakes start squealing—bring your car in for a thorough brake inspection at our shop.

6. Inspect Your Lights

As daylight hours shorten in the fall, it’s important to make sure all your lights—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals—are working properly. This will help improve visibility and safety, especially during foggy mornings or evening commutes.

Tip: If you notice dimming or flickering lights, it might be time to replace the bulbs or clean your headlights for better illumination.

7. Schedule a Fall Tune-Up

The transition from summer to fall is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive tune-up. Regular maintenance, including checking fluids, inspecting belts and hoses, and evaluating the overall health of your vehicle, can prevent issues from worsening as temperatures drop.

Tip: At Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision, our certified technicians can perform a full fall tune-up to keep your car running efficiently. We’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for the demands of cooler weather.

Get Ready for Fall at Accelerate Auto Repair and Collision

By following this fall maintenance checklist, you can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle performing at its best all season long. Whether you need a battery test, brake inspection, or full tune-up, our team of ASE- and I-CAR-certified technicians is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule your fall maintenance appointment and ensure your car is ready to handle everything the cooler weather brings!