Preparing Your Car For Fall Weather

As we’re entering colder weather and shorter days, preparing your car for the upcoming fall and winter seasons is a good idea. Cold temperatures impact cars in many ways, so preparing them doesn’t just mean they should be running smoothly. It should also keep you and your passengers safe during trips on the road.

Fall is the season to prepare your car for the upcoming harsh weather conditions. Two things to keep in mind are maintenance checks and essential replacements. With windshields being defenseless against cracks and the tires’ difficulty maintaining their grip, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for dropping temperatures.

Join us to learn how A Plus Auto can help you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape even during colder weather.

Checking Your Tires

Tires are, without a doubt, one of the most crucial factors for vehicle safety, especially as the roads get slicker in the colder seasons. One of the first things to do with your tires is to check the tread depth to ensure it can handle rain and frost. For reference, the tread depth of new tires is 8-9mm. If the tread is low (the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm), it could mean that it’s high time to replace them.

Colder temperatures tend to make the tires’ air pressure drop, so you should check to ensure they’re inflated. A Plus Auto has a wide selection of reliable, almost-new tires that will give your car a better grip on the road without affecting your pocket.

With more than 140,000 items in stock, we are your reliable solution to provide the necessary parts to make your car prep easy & cost-effective. Our commitment to our customers goes beyond quality parts. We’re dedicated to providing fast shipping of all of our parts within 24 hours of ordering.

Battery Maintenance

Batteries especially perform worse during colder weather due to the slower particles, resulting in smaller power and charge. This way, your engine will have difficulties starting. It’s best to run a few tests to know whether it can handle colder temperatures.

If it’s been some time since you replaced your car battery, you may want to know when the right time to replace it is. To avoid a dead battery on chilly days, an auto shop can test it and, if needed, offer quality used batteries that are thoroughly tested for longevity.

Windshield Wipers and Fluid

Colder days may bring visibility problems. Check your windshield wipers to see if there’s any wear, such as streaks or skipping. If you notice even the slightest bit of wear, replace your wipers immediately if you don’t wish your visibility to be obstructed.

Another thing to check when doing your car maintenance check is whether you have the correct windshield fluid in the washer reservoir. Namely, you should use a summer fluid during spring and summer that combats different debris types. These tend to include protein-rich insect residue that builds up in the summer months. On the other hand, the solvents used in the winter fluids are designed to fight frost and icing and are completely unsuitable for fighting insects.

Brakes and Brake Pads

Functional car brakes are important throughout the year, but this is especially true when wet leaves and frost make the road slippery. Check to see if they function faultlessly by checking your brake pads and rotor. Grinding noises or non-responsive braking indicate that you need a replacement.

Keep in mind that replacing worn-out brake pads can prevent more serious issues, such as damaged rotors. In such cases, you’ll have to pay a hefty amount to get them changed. Instead of buying new parts, you should have your own go-to partner for used car parts where you can find anything from pads to rotors. They have been triple-checked to ensure the quality is as good as new.

Heating System Check

Fall means the arrival of colder days, which also means keeping your car, yourself, and your passengers warm. The motor oil tends to thicken in cold conditions which means that its viscosity increases. The result is increased wear or even difficulty starting the car because the way the oil lubricates the engine will be affected.

Check your car’s heater and defroster and confirm that they’re running smoothly. If the car isn’t heating up quickly or there are cold spots, A Plus Auto has plenty of heating components from which you can choose. You may have an issue with the heater core, but watching out for unusual smells is also recommended.

Lights and Electrical System

Shorter daylight means you’ll be relying on your lights and electrical systems a lot more. Check that headlights, brake lights, and turn signals all function well. If you see flickering or dim lights, it could indicate electrical problems.

Replacing faulty bulbs should be your top priority, as it’s a fairly easy task. If you don’t wish to spend a fortune on new parts, contact A Plus Auto. We have a supply of used car parts, including bulbs and electrical components, to keep your lights up and running during shorter days.

Fluids and Filters

As a final step, check your car’s essential fluids. Here is what you need to pay attention to:

Changing your engine oil is the most crucial car maintenance task you need to do for your vehicle. It lubricates your car’s moving parts and prevents overheating.
The transmission fluid lubricates the transmission system, protects your internal components, and ensures smooth gear shifts. An old transmission fluid or an empty one can lead to hard shifts and even transmission failure, resulting in a costly repair.
The brake fluid is a core fluid that maintains the pressure your brakes require to operate properly. It becomes less effective once it absorbs moisture, so checking and replacing it ensures your brakes perform well.
The coolant, or antifreeze, helps keep your engine’s temperature from freezing.
Air filters collect dust, pollen, and other debris, and it’s of utmost importance to keep them clean to prevent clogging. Another way to effortlessly keep your air filters in check is by replacing them as recommended by the manufacturer.

Prepare Yourself For Everything This Fall

In conclusion, preparing your car for the fall weather is essential not only for its smooth operation but also for your safety during the colder months. At A Plus Auto, we are committed to helping you ready your vehicle with quality, reliable parts without stretching your budget. From tires to car batteries, we have everything you may need with our vast inventory of over 140,000 items. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Get your car fall-ready with A Plus Auto and drive confidently, knowing you and your vehicle are well-prepared for whatever the season brings!