York PA

The Best Time for Fall Maintenance to Save Time and Money

Why the Changing Season is the Perfect Time for Vehicle Maintenance

We here in Hershey are starting to enjoy cooler days and chilly nights; a sure sign that autumn is on the horizon. And as summer fades into fall, the changing weather and road conditions offer a timely reminder that your vehicle may need a little extra attention. Because, the transition into autumn is more than just cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage; it’s also an ideal time to ensure your car or truck is ready for the months ahead. So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in Hershey review the reasons why scheduling vehicle maintenance during this seasonal shift is crucial for keeping your car or truck in its best condition.

1. Changing Temperatures Affect Fluids and Tire Pressure

As temperatures drop in the fall, so does your tire pressure. Because, tire air pressure decreases about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. And this can lead to underinflated tires. Plus this reduces fuel efficiency, affects handling, and increases tire wear. So, it’s a great idea to check your tires and make sure they’re inflated to the proper levels as the season changes.

In addition, fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid can behave differently in cooler weather. So, ensuring these fluids are at the right levels and are of the proper viscosity for cooler months is key to preventing damage.

2. Prepare for Slick Roads and Decreased Visibility

Fall brings rain, fog, and early frost, all of which can create hazardous driving conditions. So, it’s important to inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they’ve become worn from the summer heat. Also, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off with a winter-ready formula to help clear your view during rainy and frosty mornings.

Headlights and taillights should also be checked to make sure they are functioning properly. Because as the days get shorter in the fall, you’ll be driving in the dark more often. And properly working lights ensure better visibility for you and make your vehicle more visible to others.

3. Battery Health Check

Cold weather is tough on vehicle batteries. Because as temperatures drop, your battery’s power decreases. And this can lead to starting issues, especially if your battery is already weak. So, fall is the perfect time to test your battery and replace it if necessary, before the colder winter months place even more strain on it.

4. Brake Inspection is Crucial

With the arrival of fall, wet leaves and early frost can make roads slick, so your braking system needs to be in top shape. Therefore, getting your brakes checked before the colder weather sets in is vital to your safety. Because, worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors can reduce your stopping power. And this could lead to dangerous situations when driving on slippery roads.

5. Heating System Maintenance

Your vehicle’s heating system is likely something you haven’t needed during the summer months. So, before you find yourself shivering on a chilly fall morning, it’s a good idea to test your heating system. Because a full check of your HVAC system ensures that the heater, defroster, and seat warmers (if equipped) are working properly.

6. Check for Summer Wear and Tear

The summer months can be hard on your vehicle. Because high temperatures, long road trips, and increased use of the air conditioning can accelerate wear and tear. So, fall is an ideal time to inspect your tires for tread wear, your engine for any leaks, and your suspension for any damage caused by rough summer roads. Because, catching these issues early will prevent further damage as the colder months approach.

7. Get Ahead of Winter Challenges

Fall maintenance sets your car or truck up for success when winter arrives. And taking care of minor issues now can prevent major headaches during the colder months. Because, waiting until winter to address things like tire rotations, battery replacements, or brake repairs could lead to higher repair costs or even breakdowns in harsh winter weather.

As the seasons change from summer to fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to schedule vehicle maintenance at Meineke for your car or truck.

Proactive maintenance saves you time, money, and stress. And this allows you to enjoy the beauty of the changing season without worrying about your vehicle’s performance. So, go ahead and check tire pressure and fluids, inspect brakes and test the battery. Because, taking care of these tasks now will not only prepare your vehicle for the fall but also ensure it’s in great shape for the winter months ahead.

Don’t wait for winter problems to arise—call Meineke in Hershey to schedule your fall vehicle maintenance today!

If the Meineke in Hershey is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 14 car repair centers in South Central Pennsylvania:

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Shelly Reale

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