09/01/2026
📍 Dave's Auto - 262-677-1222
More Fall Maintenance Tips
It won’t be long before the weather gets questionable.�Here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready for fall!
1. Check the brakes and tires. Bad weather and road conditions require good stopping power. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures drop.
2. Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to get halogen lamps for improved visibility.
3. Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass.
4. Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t afe. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition.
5. Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. I
6. Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.
7. Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation.
8. Refill cooling system. AAA recommends checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability.
9. Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids.