How to Look After Your Car at the End of Summer

The summer months can be physically debilitating and your car will also bear the brunt of skyrocketing temperatures. Direct sunlight and heat will subject your vehicle to excessive wear and tear more than any other season could cause. So by the end of summer, you’d see the aftermath of the damage.

Before the fall season sets in, you should perform the following car care steps to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the incoming winter months.

*Change your wipers

During the summer season, you probably used your wipers less often. And with the direct sunlight soaking your windshield for days, your wiper might have been fried and brittle.

So for the incoming fall and winter season, it’s best to change your wiper blades by the end of summer. Do this, especially if the rubber cushion is already crumbling off the blades.

*Check your brakes and tires

Generally, you should have your tires and brake checked at least once a year. The end of summer is the best time to do this. With the additional mileage you’ve driven during summer, your car deserves a check-up to ensure your safety.

Also, checking your tires and brakes is part of the preparation for winter when you’ll need these parts functioning optimally.

*Replace fluids

The summer season is hot and it will directly impact the amount and quality of various fluids in your car. If possible, pay for an oil change, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid. It’s best to have all the fluids in your car checked to prevent any problems as the winter season comes.

Take note that car fluids play a vital role in the performance of your vehicle. If any of these aren’t in good condition, it will affect how your brake engages, how your tires respond to transmission, and so on.

*Check your battery

As the season changes, temperatures also shift drastically. This will impact your car battery’s condition. A quick check will help so you can identify problems before it shows up while you’re in the middle of the road.

If your battery is covered with rust, it’s best to get a replacement. This will improve the performance of your car and prevent the possibility of a dead battery while driving.

*Inspect your lights

The fall and winter seasons have shorter days, which means you’re going to use your lights more. It just makes perfect sense to have your headlights, reverse lights, fog light, brake lights, and more checked.

This way, you won’t be fumbling in the dark, especially on blind curves and poorly-lit roads.

*Pay for a suspension and steering check-up

Your car’s steering and suspension will be put to the test during winter when hazards may come in different directions. It could be a falling branch or a deer bolting into the road. In these situations, you need your suspension and steering at its top shape.

Take note that this check should be done by a certified mechanic who would run inspections on the vehicle’s struts, chassis, shocks, and more.