This Is Your Fall Car Maintenance Checklist

The changing of the seasons is usually a good time to get some maintenance done on your vehicle. As changing temperatures can affect how a car runs, fall is a popular time to get a tune-up, but it’s also a good time of year to drag out your maintenance records and see what needs to be done.

Consider this your fall car maintenance checklist, with some things you can DIY and others you should see a professional for.

Check/replace your wiper blades

Your car's windshield wipers can be affected by temperature changes and will also simply wear out over time. Summer heat, friction from being dragged across semi-damp windshields, and dry air can all contribute to your wiper blades developing cracks or splitting. If you notice any damage to the rubber part of your windshield wipers or if you see that the rubber is beginning to separate from the arm of the wiper, it’s time to replace them. (Right now, you can find some deals on replacement wipers from Bosch and Rain-X.)

Check your coolant level

Because engine coolant needs to be able to stay liquid at colder temperatures than water, an antifreeze mixture suitable for your climate is a good idea. If you haven’t checked your coolant level in a while, it's time. Look for a screw-on cap near or on top of the coolant reservoir with a thermometer in water symbol on it, or possibly a warning to not remove the cap while it's hot. If you don’t use a premixed 50/50 coolant, you should mix your antifreeze concentrate with distilled water (not tap water) to avoid adding anything that might gum up your radiator.

Check your washer fluid

Your window washer fluid can be easy to forget when you don’t need it, but when you do, going without can quickly become a danger. In cold weather, you can also use washer fluid with de-icer to help clear snow and ice from your windshield as you’re driving. To find the reservoir, look for the cap under your hood with a picture of a windshield with drops on it. You can use a funnel to help pour in the fluid the reservoir is in an awkward spot.

Change your air filters

Your cabin air filter gets a workout in the warmer months, with pollen, dust, and smoke all getting caught in its ridges. Fall is a good time to change it. In most cars, the cabin air filter will be located behind the glove box. Some cars allow access to change the filter without removing the glove box, and some will require you to take the glove box out. You’ll need to search your vehicle’s make and model, plus the year it was manufactured, in order to determine the correct filter and installation process for your car.

Check your tire tread

Make sure that your tires are winter weather-ready by checking that they have enough tread. A tread depth of 2/32 of an inch is considered safe. To check the tread depth, use a penny with Lincoln’s head facing toward the tire. If you can see his whole head, you need new tires. If his head disappears between the treads, you’re usually good to go. If you do need new tires, you’ll need to have a pro install them, as most people don’t have the necessary tools.

Check the date on your battery

Your car battery is likely rated to last between 3 and 5 years. Check the date on your battery and, if it’s close to expiring, have it tested by a mechanic. If you need a new battery, you might be able to install one yourself if you have any experience working on cars; if you don’t, you can usually have your battery replaced by a mechanic for between $175 and $400, depending on the battery.

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