October is Fall Car Care Month
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Can you feel it in the air? Something has changed...October is Fall Care Car Month! It's important to give your car a little extra attention before winter sets in.

Auto Care

Here are some tips from The Car Care Council.

  1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
  2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
  3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
  4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
  5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
  6. Check the engine to make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.
  7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and safety reasons, such as defrosting.
  8. Inspect the steering and suspension systemannually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
  9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
  10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Car Maintenance & Recalls

Car Maintenance

It is recommended that a car be serviced every year or around 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you drive a lot or have an older vehicle, I recommend checking it out more frequently. It's important to regularly check the fluids in your car and take it in immediately if something strange happens.

While on the subject of safety it's also important to check to see if any part of your vehicle has been recalled and take time to listen to your vehicle. Talk with your mechanic to see set up a service plan. Stay safe out there.