October is Car Care Aware Month

October is Car Safety Month, the perfect time to fall into a vehicle maintenance program and get your car ready for the challenges of harsh winter weather. National Car Care Month comes around twice a year, every October and April. These months bring attention to the importance of regular preventative car maintenance and care during times when it’s most critical to do so.

Fall Car Care Month in October is the best of the best times to give your vehicle some extra love and attention before the harsh winter weather sets in. A poorly maintained car is a risk to you, your passengers, and every driver you encounter on the road. Taking a little bit of time for car care now can help you avoid headaches and pain in your wallet later on. Here are our top 13 items that should be inspected for fall car care month:

1. Check all of your essential fluids. There are a slew of various fluids that need to be checked when you bring your car in for servicing. Your vehicle lives off of major fluids including engine oil, power steering, transmission fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. Make sure these are topped off to save you time later.
2. Change your motor oil. The only situation worse than an unexpected breakdown while driving is an unexpected breakdown when it’s cold outside. To ensure your vehicle’s engine is ready for your next trip, contact My Mechanic to schedule your next visit. With cooler temperatures, using a full synthetic motor oil to protect against the cold is recommended. Always use the correct viscosity oil that is required for your vehicle per the manufacturer’s specifications. An oil change is another standard piece of maintenance you can attend to during National Car Care Month. It’s recommended that most vehicles get their oil changed every 5,000 – 7,000 miles.
3. Check all hoses and belts (timing, serpentine, etc.) to make sure they are not cracked, crumbly, frayed, loose, or showing signs of excessive wear. My Mechanic can check these items while your vehicle is in for service. We can also check what the manufacturer specifies for mileage intervals for replacing these items.
4. Check the car battery and replace your battery if necessary. Dead car batteries are common during the winter and are one of the easiest ways to get stranded, waiting hours for a tow truck. If you have an old battery, strongly consider replacing it. In extreme temperatures such as the cold, your vehicle’s battery can begin to wear down and lose substantial power, affecting optimal performance. Motor vehicle batteries typically last between four to five years, but sometimes even less, depending on your driving conditions and the environment your vehicle is in. A few common signs of a failing battery can be slower than normal start-ups, dimming headlights as you start your car, illuminated lights on your dashboard, or even a rotten egg smell coming from the battery location. Your battery should also get an evaluation to ensure it’s ready for colder weather and the possibility of extra driving from school starting.
5. Check the braking system. In addition to your brake pads, check your brake linings, rotors, and drums too! If you notice squeaking or screeching sounds, the car pulls to the side, low pedal pressure, vibrating or pulsating feeling when you use the brakes, or the brake pads are less than 1/4 ” inch thick, these are signs they need to be replaced. Your brakes’ rotors, linings, and drums should be inspected along with every oil change your car receives.
6. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damages, and broken supports or hangers. Exhaust system problems usually produce an unusual sound of sorts. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be addressed and fixed ASAP.
7. Check the engine to make sure it is providing an even balance of power and fuel economy. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
8. Check the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as adequate airflow is necessary for cabin comfort and safety purposes, such as defrosting your windows. The Cabin Air Filter needs to be checked and possibly replaced to assure good performance of the HVAC system. The HVAC system is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons in colder weather.
9. Inspect the steering and suspension system to ensure you are getting the best handling and control when you’re on the road. If your car is pulling to the left or right, there is a good chance you may need an alignment. Poor alignment is a much bigger issue when the roads are slippery because making more steering adjustments increases the risk of skidding. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts, and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and other related components.
10. Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Wet fallen leaves can also turn road conditions slippery in the fall.  Under-inflated tires can affect braking distances and provide less responsive steering and handling. Pay attention to tread depth and alignment. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges, cuts, and bald spots. Any tires exhibiting significant wear or damage should be replaced. Make sure to replace any tires that are at the end of their useful life and have your tires rotated and balanced as well. It’s a good idea to get a wheel alignment whenever tires are replaced.
11. Check your windshield wipers and de-icer fluid levels. Fall is the perfect time to inspect your windshield wipers and test out your vehicle’s defroster to ensure they are working properly before the winter, especially after limited use in the summer. Inspect your blades regularly, and look for discoloration and cracks. When checking your wiper blades, turn them on along with the windshield washers to determine if they produce a streak-free sweep, leaving the windshield clear. Wiper blades typically last 6 months. Also, make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled, and keep an extra bottle in your trunk. A proper-functioning defroster removes any fog or ice that can hinder your vision of the road and your surroundings on colder days. Obscured windshield visibility is a major contributor to fall/winter accidents.
12. Check your lights. Shine a light on those darker days – check your headlights and safety markers. With the winter solstice slowly approaching and the daylight fading faster, it is important to make sure your vehicle’s exterior lights are in proper working order to prepare for more frequent driving in the dark. Headlights are important but don’t forget about your emergency hazard lights, turn signals, taillights, and reverse lights! Check and replace your bulbs where necessary to ensure your beams stay bright this fall. Lights require periodic inspection and replacement due to normal wear.  Visit My Mechanic to have your lights installed correctly.
13.  Safety first while on the road. Put together an emergency kit. In the event you must pull off to the side of the road, having a roadside safety and emergency kit is key. Within your kit should be a few essential items, including, but not limited to, a flashlight, roadside flares, first-aid supplies, a spare phone charger, a blanket, water, and non-perishable snacks.

Next to observing safe driving practices, caring for your car with proper maintenance is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself as a driver. A thorough inspection of your vehicle will go a long way toward ensuring safety and dependability when temperatures drop and severe winter weather strikes.

A well-maintained car keeps you and everyone around you safe and will end up saving you a pretty penny on costs like towing, repairs, and accident-related costs. A routine maintenance program also makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.

We want your family to be safe this season as the holiday season draws closer and temperatures continue to drop. Don’t procrastinate getting your vehicle serviced—bring it on by this month to either of our two convenient locations.