It’s that time of year again when the leaves begin to change color and the cooler temperatures bring on the Fall season.  Before winter descends upon us, now is an ideal time to have an overall maintenance check done to prepare your vehicle for the colder weather.

Moving from summer heat to winter cold puts a strain on your vehicle components.  Why not take the time now time to winterize your car and mitigate the potential for being stranded or broken down on the highway?
Here is your winterizing checklist for maintaining a safe and efficient vehicle:

 Windshield:  Your windshield can develop cracks or dings as a result of varying temperatures or even flying debris from the highway.  Inevitably, small cracks or dings can lead to larger, more dangerous cracks in your windshield and potentially impair your visibility.  The cost of repair or replacement will outweigh any potential danger or even violations you may receive as a result of driving with a cracked windshield.  Additionally, the main component that makes your windshield effective are your wiper blades.  Wiper blades are made with rubber.  Over time and with use, rubber quickly deteriorates, especially in extreme temperatures.  Make sure to replace your front wiper blades (and rear, if equipped), for a noticeable difference in the performance of your blades and overall windshield visibility.

 Vehicle Fluids:  Keeping up with oil and filter changes is a necessity when it comes to the proper functioning of your car’s engine.  You should always follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for oil changes.  You also want to remember the other fluids that keep your vehicle running and in good condition.  Key fluids to check and maintain include wiper fluid, antifreeze, transmission, brake and power steering.  By checking these vital fluids on a regular basis, you are ensuring that your vehicle will continue to operate effectively during the harsher weather that comes with winter.

 Battery:  Maintenance of your vehicle’s battery is critical as we enter into the colder temperatures.  The battery controls a significant amount of your vehicle’s operations from the electronic features, to lights and the vehicle ignition.  Most batteries function for about four years before they need to be replaced – less if they are subjected to harsh conditions.   We can check your battery life and make a recommendation on replacement.

 Tires:  Your vehicle’s tires are subjected to constant friction and stress as they connect your car to the road.  Tire wear and tear is common and can manifest itself through balding, visible wearing, reduced treads, and just general deterioration.  The best analogy to describe your tires is to consider your shoes.  Your shoes function as a barrier between your feet and the ground.  When they are worn, shredded, or otherwise in poor condition, you should replace them.  The same principle should be applied to your vehicle’s tires.  They need to function effectively in difficult weather conditions such as rain, sleet, or snow.

 Hoses and Belts:  Your vehicle is a complex system of parts that move in unison, many powered by hoses and belts.  Many hoses and belts are comprised of rubber, which can weaken and crack over time and with use.  Replacement is the easiest way to address aged and worn hoses and belts.  When you bring your vehicle in for service, we will check all the critical hoses and belts. That way, you can have them replaced before they break and you end up with a roadside disaster.

 Brakes:  Like your vehicle’s tires, your brakes get a lot of use.  Frequent use results in eventual wear.  During a simple break inspection, we will look for the level of wear on your brake pads and discs.  We will also complete a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s brakes, including any brake lines and associated visible parts.

 Headlights:  It’s not very often that we know our headlights are out, until we get a driver coming in the other direction who is signaling with their bright lights.  Or even worse, we are pulled over by law enforcement.  Regularly check your vehicle lights to make sure all of them are working properly.  You want to make sure you can see and be seen, especially this time of year.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Contact Car Kings in Wallington, New Jersey, to schedule your Fall vehicle servicing.