Summer is over and Fall is right around the corner. While the harsh Winter weather may still be a bit away, Fall’s colder temperatures and sporadic showers will give your car some troubles in the coming months. Other than that, making changes for Fall will be great preparation for when Winter comes. To combat the cold, our team here at Carville’s Auto Mart has made an easy and simple checklist to make sure you and your car are prepared, no matter what happens! 

Check Your Oil and Antifreeze

Your oil should be changed around twice a year. The best time to do this is in Spring and Fall, between the hot and cold temperatures of Summer and Winter. These extreme conditions will stress your engine, so it’s a good idea to have your oil changed before the time comes. While taking care of your oil, you’ll also want to check on your antifreeze to make sure it’s temperature fits the changing weather. 

Keep Your Fuel Levels Up

Colder weather will damage your vehicle. The best way to prevent this is to keep your car always up to date. The more gas a car has in its tank, the easier it will be for the vehicle to start up in the morning and get you from A to B. If ignored, sometimes even a quarter of a tank of gas in your car won’t ensure it starts up. 

Check Your Heater, Defroster, and Wiper Blades

These are very easy checks, but can be ones overlooked. Who tends to use their heater and defroster in Summer after all? Next time you start up your car just make sure to take a minute and check all three to put your mind at ease that you’ll be secure in the cold and rain. 

Check Your Brakes

Even before snow shows up you’ll want to be sure that your brakes are working properly. In dry and hot temperatures there’s normally nothing to worry about, but changes in weather can put a lot more pressure on your brakes. From rain, hail, or morning frost, you’ll want to be sure that your brakes can handle the roads and keep you safe. 

Read More: Should You Buy Winter or All-Season Tires?

Spare Supplies

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have some spare supplies stashed in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Some great ones to include are: 

• Hats, gloves, blankets and more to keep yourself warm 
• Flashlights for in the dark or under the hood 
• Jumper cables 
• Spare tire and a jack 
• Non-perishable snacks to munch on. Everything’s always better when you’re not hungry. 

Take all of these precautions and you should have nothing to worry about as the leaves change. 

Safe travels from all of us here at Carville’s Auto Mart!