10 Car Maintenance Tips for the Fall Season

Summer is finally over and the leaves are beginning to turn yellow all around. This only means one thing: Fall has arrived and the harvest season has begun. Sometimes cars owners tend to get laid back due to the holiday season, but here at Manuel’s Body Shop in Culver City, we always want to you to be prepared all year ’round.

We all know that weather conditions begin to change and maybe it is time to schedule your fall visit to your local auto repair to make sure that you’ll be set, especially those who are planning long drives during the holiday season.

If you follow these maintenance plans, you’ll have have no problems for the ‘ber’ months ahead.

1.  Change Your Oil

Always check your owner’s manual to determine when it’s time for you to change your oil or you can also have this checked in your local auto repair shop. Most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000- 5,000 miles. New models can last up to 10,000 miles without an oil change. Make sure that your oil is not dirty because without proper amounts fo engine oil, you might just run into some problems such as engine failure.

And engine failure is a fix that is more expensive than your standard oil change.

2. Check Your Tires

With the changing temperatures, it’s possible that your tires can fluctuate. When this happens, your tires are not properly inflated which means you’ll lose fuel efficiency and you’ll have more difficulty on the road.

Be sure to check your tire pressure and tire tread. The importance of tire tread becomes more apparent when you are driving on icy, slippery roads. Low tire tread is fine when you’re on dry roads, but it can turn into a dangerous situation in the winter. Rotating your tires can also be a good idea at this time.

If you have a spare tire, make sure you also check the tire pressure on that tire, there’s no telling when you might get a flat in the middle of the road.

When you go to your local auto repair shop, be sure to have your tires inspected and in some cases, it is better to replace your tires entirely.

3. Check your Brakes

Brakes and tires go hand in hand. You should always have your brakes checked routinely. Faulty breaks can put you in  a dangerous situation in any season.

For signs that brakes need to be repaired immediately, be sure to check out our blog post on brake repair here at Manuel’s Body Shop Blog.

4. Check Your Heaters and Defrosters

It is important to make sure your car heater and defrosters are working properly. When temperatures start to drop, these simple things can be a big help especially during those cold mornings when you first step out of the house and see your vehicle’s windshield completely frosted over.

Test your heaters and defrosters from time to time and if you feel that your heater and defrosting system is taking too long to kick in, it may be time for a system repair.

5. Replace Your Wiper Blades

Wiper blades don’t last forever. They wear down and crack over time. Eventually, they will become useless if they don’t work when you need them. Fall and Winter seasons can bring in heavy rains and snow.

Replacing your wiper blades should only set up back around $30 and if you need assistance, you can get them installed in your local auto repair shop while you are getting your routine maintenance check-up.

6. Check Your Lights

Poor lights means poor visibility. Be sure to check all the lights on your vehicle: headlights, taillights, parking lights, and emergency lights.

If you have any broken bulbs, you should replace them immediately and possibly upgrade your bulbs for car owners who have older models.

Speaking of lights, always check to see that the check engine light is not lighting up like a Christmas tree. Do not enter the fall season with an undiagnosed issue as this can cause problems for you.

7. Check your Battery

A dead battery during the cold season is something that no one wants. Batteries can become corroded and damaged. Check that your battery is functioning properly and  does not need replacement.

8. Check Your Fluids

Vehicles have different fluids that help them run accordingly. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, washer fluid, and power steering fluid.

Like the human body, cars need plenty of fluids to function.

9. Check Your Cooling System

Be sure to check the coolant level in your vehicle and refill the coolant system when it necessary to do so. Auto repair technicians should be able to determine for any radiator or coolant leaks.  This maintenance can prevent your vehicle from overheating.

10. Check Your Hood

Check your vehicle for physical damages under the hood that my need some replacing.

Check your hoses, belts, etc. for cracks or leaks.

If you’re not really familiar with what’s under the hood of your vehicle, best to leave it to the experts.

If you’re looking for the best and affordable auto repair shop in Culver City, be sure to visit our auto body shop.

Here at Manuel’s Body Shop, we also offer different types of services: 

• After Hours Drop-Off
• Auto Maintenance
• Lease Returns Restoration
• Collision Repair
• Glass Repair
• Auto Body Paint
• Rust Repair
• Interior Detailing
• Auto Detailing
• Car Rental Services
• Car Wash
• Dent Repair
• Frame Straightening
• Free Estimates
• Hail Damage Repair
• Towing Services

Call us today at 1-310-836-3701 for a free estimate for the finest auto body shop services in Culver City CA. Let us know what you need and get a FREE Estimate today.