With the change in seasons in Western Pennsylvania, the driving conditions can change as quickly as the leaves fall off the trees. The temperatures drop, the precipitation increases, and some key of your car’s functions are coming into play that haven’t been in awhile.

As October is National Car Care Month, here are six tips to be sure your vehicle is ready for fall:

  1. Replace wiper blades. Let’s start off with a pretty easy one. This one is pretty self explanatory, but it’s vitally important to your safety. Cracked or worn blades won’t do the job! Be sure to check the blade’s rubber to ensure it’s flexible, and be sure to test your blades to be sure they properly clean the glass.  
  2. Make sure heater/defroster function properly. Even though the weather has been unseasonably warm in Western PA this week, when fall really does hit, driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition.
  3. Check all fluid levels. Again… this is pretty standard and should be done regularly, but it’s the change of the season is a good reminder. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, coolant, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.
  4. Have the battery tested. 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. If you happen to see any corrosion or loose connections, it’s most likely time to replace your battery.
  5. Inspect the brakes and tires.  Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
  6. Get a good car wash/detail. This one seems a bit out of left field, but giving your car a proper wash or detail will help you identify any problems faster.

If your car needs some TLC and prepping for the fall season (and beyond), call Matt and Kylie at 412-487-9902 to schedule an appointment.

 

PS – Don’t forget that Glenshaw Auto Service offers both shuttle and courtesy car services! That means you don’t have to give up your time because you’re without a car. We’ll hook you up with a ride to and from your service or you can use one of our four courtesy vehicles, so you can have the least disruption to your everyday life.