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Keeping your vehicle in top shape is more than simply rotating tires every 8,000 kilometers or so. That is especially true after summer driving.
Here's our list of recommended autumn services and post-summer inspections:
- Tires. Drop by to have your tire pressure checked. We'll also take a peek at your treads and look for abnormal wear patterns that could spell trouble.
- Battery. Sudden cold temperatures can cause a weak battery to die suddenly. Get your vehicle’s battery capacity inspected.
- Braking system. Summer weather increases wear and tear on your vehicle's braking system. Now that school's back in session, and children are criss-crossing the street, make sure your vehicle's braking system can stop on a coin. Also, ask your service advisor to inspect your vehicle's parking brake system--it should feel taut, not loose to keep your vehicle from rolling.
- Tune-ups. Cool weather exacerbates problems with fuel economy, idling and acceleration. Ask your service technician to check engine performance, especially if your vehicle is using a lot of fuel or not operating smoothly.
- Headlights. Do the bulbs shine brightly? Are the high beams directed at the proper angle? Shine your headlights and high beams against a flat surface such as garge door, for instance. Are the beams cockeyed or straight?
- Spare tire. Make sure your spare tire is fit for emergency use. Is it properly inflated? Check to see if the spare tire compartment cntains the tools needed to remove and replace the wheels.
- Taillights.Get a friend look at the brake lights as you press the pedal. Climate control system. Turn on the heater and defroster. Not pushing out warm air? Could be a sign that your vehicle thermostat needs to be replaced.
- Wiper blades. This is a simple item thats easy to forget...until it rains. Summer leaches resins out of wiper blade rubber. Old blades can scratch your vehicle's windshield and blur vision. Install new wiper blades before the first rains leave your windows a streaky mess.
- Washer fluid. Make sure the washer fluid tanks are filled so you have solution when you need it. Those early season rains can coat your windshield with dirt and grime.
- Alignment. Does your vehicle tend to pull to one side or another? It could be as simple as adjusting alignment. Poor alignment not only causes steering issues but can ruin tire tread.
- Belts and hoses. Check for wear and tear, drips and frayed ends. Leaky hoses and worn belts can go fail suddenly and leave your family stranded,
- Exhaust system. Leaks can cause deadly conditions in a closed vehicle. Have your technician inspect your vehicle's emissions system.
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