GoWrench Auto Blog | Auto Maintenance Tips from our Mobile Mechanics

Autumn Checklist: 5 Things You Should Check on Your Car This Month

Written by GoWrench Auto | Sep 29, 2018 11:40:00 AM

It's fall! The most wonderful time of the year! Pumpkin Spice fills the air, mashed potatoes make their triumphant comeback - and you can go door to door demanding candy and no one thinks twice! ...Ok maybe only do that last one on Halloween. 

Spring cleaning is a thing - now let's make fall maintenance a thing! You should put in a few minutes this month to make sure that your car is ready for the brutal weather that is just around the corner. 

Check these five things to head into winter with confidence. 

Wiper Blades - Between rainy fall days and snow flying, fall and winter is the time of year when your wiper blades take the most beating.  Your windshield wiper system contains many moving parts that must all work together to keep your windshield clear - but the blades are most likely to need replacing. Your wiper blades should be replaced every six months - or earlier if you notice a drop in visibility while driving. 

Spare Tire - Do you have a spare tire? You assume so, but it's a good idea to check before you need it. The changing temperature can make your spare tires (and the four tires attached to your vehicle) lose pressure - so take this time to ensure that all of your tires have the correct tire pressure and are ready to roll. If you don't get winter 

tires, be sure to schedule a tire rotation

Windshield Washer Fluid - We included windshield washer fluid on our list of 7 fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly because it is the unsung hero of vehicle safety. If you can't see where you are driving, you cannot drive carefully - full stop! Bonus points? Winter windshield washer fluid helps to thaw the frost on your windshield when you get up early to go to the gym - or to get donuts. 

Engine Filters - Your engine filter is an integral part of keeping your engine running smoothly. We recommend changing your engine filter at least twice a year according to the mileage you put on your vehicle. What better way to remember to change that filter than to do it with your tire swap in spring and fall! 

Battery Connections - The cold is hard on your battery. If you have an older battery or one that isn't in optimum health, it may not hold a charge when the temperatures dip too far below zero. Check your battery connections and if applicable, clear away any corrosion with special brush. If you are concerned about your battery health, consider having GoWrench come out for a battery and brake check as part of our new winterization package. 

Alright, you have your to-do list! Doing these 5 things will help you be better prepared for the winter months.