It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of a New Jersey fall and forget about routine maintenance on your vehicle. However, However, with the changing weather and road conditions, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to handle the unique challenges that autumn brings. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we want to help you stay safe on the roads. By following these fall maintenance tips, you can reduce the risk of collisions and keep your vehicle in top condition throughout the season.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly check tire pressure and tread depth to ensure optimal grip on wet or leaf-covered roads. Replace worn tires before winter.
- Ensure your brakes are in top condition to maintain control on slick fall roads. Address any signs of wear, such as squeaking or reduced responsiveness.
- Test all vehicle lights for proper functioning as daylight decreases. Replace worn wiper blades and ensure your windshield washer fluid is suitable for lower temperatures.
- Repair dents and dings before winter to prevent rust and corrosion, preserving your vehicle’s structural integrity and appearance.
Inspect Your Tires
One of the biggest things that people tend to overlook is the health of their tires. The tires on your vehicle are the first line of defense against slippery roads and unexpected obstacles. First thing to check is the pressure. As temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires. Make sure to check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, inspect the tread depth to ensure adequate grip on wet or leaf-covered roads. If your tires are worn or damaged, consider replacing them before the weather worsens.
You can check tread depth by doing the penny test. Take a penny. If Lincoln’s head is visible, you may need to purchase new tires before the snow starts to fall.
Check Your Brakes
Fall often brings wet and slick roads due to rain and falling leaves. Properly functioning brakes are essential for maintaining control in these conditions. The last thing you want is for your brakes to lock up or fail and cause you to slide into another vehicle, rear-ending them. Have your brakes inspected by a professional to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any squeaking, grinding, or reduced responsiveness, it’s time to have them serviced or replaced.
Test All Lights
As daylight hours decrease, your vehicle’s lights play a more critical role in ensuring you can see and be seen. Check all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights, to make sure they are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean the lenses to maximize brightness.
Replace Wiper Blades
Visibility is key to safe driving, especially as the days grow shorter and rain becomes more frequent. Worn or damaged wiper blades can significantly reduce your ability to see clearly in adverse weather. Replace your wiper blades if they leave streaks or fail to clear the windshield effectively. Also, ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped off with a solution that can handle lower temperatures.
Prepare for Frost and Icy Conditions
Even though winter is still a few months away, frost and ice can appear in late fall, especially during early morning drives. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with an ice scraper and keep your windshield washer fluid full. Consider using a winter blend washer fluid to prevent it from freezing. Additionally, ensure your defroster and heater are working properly to keep your windshield clear of fog and frost.
Get Dents and Dings Repaired
Before winter, you may want to consider getting any dents and dings repaired at Elmer’s Auto Body. During winter, road salt and moisture can easily seep into even small dents and dings. This can accelerate the formation of rust and corrosion, which can spread and cause more significant damage to your vehicle’s body over time. Additionally, dents and dings can weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle, making it more vulnerable to further damage from winter conditions, such as ice or road debris. Repairing them before winter ensures your vehicle remains strong and resilient.
Schedule Routine Maintenance and Inspections
While many fall maintenance tasks can be handled at home, it’s wise to schedule a professional inspection to catch any issues that might go unnoticed. A certified mechanic can perform a comprehensive check of your vehicle, from the brakes and tires to the battery and fluids, identifying any potential problems before they escalate. This proactive approach ensures your vehicle is fully prepared for the season ahead, giving you peace of mind as you navigate the changing road conditions.
Contact a Collision Repair Center in Sewell, NJ Today
By taking the time to perform these essential fall maintenance tasks, you can help prevent collisions and ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable throughout the season. If you do find yourself in need of collision repair, Elmer’s Auto Body in Sewell, NJ, is here to help. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle everything from minor dents to major repairs, getting you back on the road safely and quickly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of fall in Sewell!