Short and Sweet: A Step-By-Step Guide to Help Prepare Your Vehicle for the Cold Weather

  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • August 30, 2017

Labor Day is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing: summer is ending and fall is almost here.

We all know how important spring cleaning is, but have you ever thought about fall cleaning? That’s right — getting your home and possessions ready for the cooler season is an important stepping stone before the harsh winter sets in. While it’s true that autumn isn’t as destructive as winter, it’s crucial to take some extra measures to ensure your possessions are cared for properly when the cold weather rolls around.

 

This is especially true for your vehicle. If you’re one for DIY maintenance, follow this short step-by-step guide to prepare your ride for the cooler months.

 

  1. Fix any and all scratches – Cooler weather means a higher likelihood of rain, sleet, and snow which can quickly get to any blemish on your car’s exterior and cause it to rust. Rust is much harder to get rid of than the everyday scratch, so it doesn’t hurt to bring your car to a body shop to fix any and all imperfections.
  2. Change the oil – It’s a good idea to make it a habit to change your oil at the start of every season. As a rule of thumb, conventional motor oil should be checked and changed every three months or 3,000 miles. And if you drive a diesel vehicle it may be worth it to invest in an all season diesel additive to ensure the car runs as smooth as possible in any weather.
  3. Check the tires – A sudden drop in temperature can cause your tires to lose some pressure and air. So once the weather has stabilized to a lower temperature, take your car and top up the air in every tire. This is the easiest DIY maintenance tip that will save you from being stranded in the cold later on.
  4. Replace wiper blades – You’ll need heavier duty wiper blades come the fall, and we recommend investing in all season wiper blades to help get the falling leaves and snow off your car. Plus, you’ll only have to change them once in the start of the fall and not have to worry until the start of spring.
  5. Look under the hood – Just because it is out of sight, it is not out of mind. Use this time to really take a good look underneath the hood of your car for anything obvious that may need repairs such as broken belts, a leak in coolant, loose clamps, or spongy hoses. Colder weather will just exacerbate these problems, and it’s always a good idea to get them fixed as soon as possible.

 

It couldn’t be easier to prepare your car for the cooler season with these easy DIY maintenance tips. Now is the time to invest in your vehicle’s well-being, before the cold takes advantage!