Each season, there are specific maintenance items that should be on your list for your next visit. The Fall begins to ring in the colder temperatures, which means
there are certain things you need to be preparing for in order to better safeguard your car against the harsher weather to come. Let's go over some of the most important areas you should pay the greatest attention to:
Visually Inspect Your Tires
Once the Fall season begins, and the weather begins to turn slightly colder, tires become very vulnerable. The autumn leaves on the ground also become a safety hazard by causing low tread tires to become slippery, especially when it rains. Inspect your tires to be sure the tread is not below 2/32 of inches and use a tire gauge for the most accurate reading. Ensuring that your tires are rotated also gives you the optimal advantage to grip the road. Additionally, check the air pressure of each tire for the proper PSIs (pounds per square inch).
BONUS TIP: If you see your tire pressure light come on in the morning, don't be alarmed! This is often normal when the temperatures start to drop. With every 10 degree drop, you can lose 1 PSI (pound per square inch)
Assess the Engine Oil Quality and Level
Use the oil dipstick to check the engine oil level and make any necessary adjustments by topping off the fluid. Assess the quality of the oil to make sure it appears in good condition. One way to know if your engine oil has sufficient quality remaining is by looking at the color. New oil is always amber in color, and generally, it's see-through. Although it typically becomes darker over time, if the oil is extremely black, it's an indication that contaminants may be present. Compare your oil to the color of a Coca-Cola. If the color is similar, more likely than not, you're due for an oil change.
Check the Exterior Car Lights
Do you ever check your exterior car lights, or do you wait to get pulled over and be issued a citation? If you're in the second category, then consider yourself among most drivers in Philly. Get into a routine of checking your front and rear lights more often, especially during the Fall season as kids go back to school and traffic patterns change. Remember, the Fall changes the natural sunlight pattern, so it's an imperative safety check for early morning and late-evening commuting.
Additional Checklist Items
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Check your roadside emergency kit for essential items, such as jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, and basic tools.
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Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir and refill as needed.
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Check your spare tire to ensure that it is in place and properly inflated.
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Check your heating system by turning it on briefly to ensure that it blows warm air.
Don't forget, United Tire & Service has 13 independent shops conveniently located throughout the area. You can depend on us to get your car ready for the Fall and beyond. Make an appointment online, or give us a call when you're ready. Stay safe!
