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Months of summer travel don’t just add miles to the odometer, they also quietly wear down vehicle components most drivers hardly notice.
Roof boxes, bicycles and fully loaded vehicles place additional stress on your suspension, brakes and tires. The load and wear makes a post-summer inspection crucial as autumn arrives.
"Months of hot weather and long-distance driving can place significant strain on a vehicle and expose issues that may have gone unnoticed," said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering at AAA.
How should you care for your car after busy summer travels? Find out more with the following maintenance checks to prepare your vehicle for the season ahead:
1. Restore tire performance
Monitor your tire pressure throughout autumn, as cooler temperatures can cause air pressure to drop. Properly inflated tires maximize tread life, improve fuel efficiency and provide better traction on wet autumn roads.
Don't forget to inspect your spare tire. Ensuring it's well inflated and in good condition can save you from being stranded if you experience a flat tire.
2. Test battery
Don’t let a weak cause autumn anxiety. Get your charging system and battery life checked before cold days become as common as crimson leaves.
Have your service advisor check the charging system checked for signs of corrosion. Make sure the alternator is delivering the correct voltage to keep the battery fully charged. Change worn out components before autumn arrives to avoid an unexpected breakdown.
3. Replace air filters
Driven down dusty roads, through agricultural areas and past construction zones during the past three months?
Airborne particles accumulate on long drives, tend to clog your vehicle’s engine air filter and restrict airflow to the engine.
Ask your service advisor to inspect your vehicle’s air filter and cabin air filter. They are an inexpensive way to keep your vehicle operating in order to improve engine life, fuel efficiency and cabin health.
4. Adjust alignment
Is your vehicle steering a bit off? Could be a result of hitting a curb, pothole or road obstruction.
Time for an alignment check. This basic but important service extends tire life and improves your vehicle’s on-road handling.
Some signs to look for: vehicle drifting to one side, uneven tire wearing a slight side pull on the steering wheel.
Proper alignment improves safety, steering response and braking for all those autumn driving duties.
5. Change essential fluids
Summer heat can cause engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid to deteriorate. This reduces their ability to protect your vehicle's critical systems.
Have a service advisor inspect the condition and level of all essential vehicle fluids.
If any fluid is dirty or contaminated, have it replaced to keep your car components functioning properly throughout autumn.
6. Inspect underbody for damage
Road debris and rough roads can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle. Listen for noises or rattles that may indicate a loose exhaust component which should be repaired before it leads to more expenses.
Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, corrosion and signs of excessive wear.
7. Cooling system maintenance
Months of high temperatures can place extra stress on the radiator, hoses, clamps and water pump and cooling system.
Your vehicle’s cooling system should be checked for cracks, swelling and soft spots. Replacing worn belts and hoses during routine maintenance is far less expensive than dealing with a roadside breakdown.
8. Refill washer tank and clean spray nozzles
All those times you activated the window cleaning mechanism on your vehicle may have depleted the fluid reservoir and accumulated sediment on the spray nozzles.
Clogged nozzles send that spray everywhere except where it belongs–in your field of vision.
Improve driving safety and convenience. Ask your advisor to refill the washer fluid tank and adjust nozzle performance before autumn rains.
9. Lubricate hinges and latches
Creaky vehicle door, hood and trunk hinges? Summer sun, frequent vehicle washing and normal usage can leave your vehicle in need of lubrication.
Put lubrication on your request list to prevent squeaks and rust as temperatures cool. Also check for loose fasteners and damage that may require adjustments or repair. Let your advisor know if you find any loose fittings.
10. Check exterior lighting
Lighting becomes especially important during the change of seasons. The goal is to see and be seen as your drive during longer fall and winter nights.
Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights:
- Replace damaged or yellowed headlamp cases.
- Replace halogen bulbs if your vehicle uses traditional lighting elements.
Consider: Halogen bulbs can lose more than 30% of their brightness every year during normal nighttime driving (about 400 hours). The newest bulbs last longer and offer significantly better road visibility.
- Get electrical problems diagnosed if lights flicker or fail repeatedly.
Other important maintenance checks
These additional maintenance checks keep your vehicle in peak condition as it transitions from summer travel to autumn:
- Review scheduled maintenance: If summer travel has added significant mileage to your vehicle, your next scheduled service is due sooner than expected.
- Replace key fob batteries: Weak batteries are easy to overlook until they leave you locked out or unable to start your vehicle.
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes: Have your vehicle scanned for stored fault codes, even if no warning light is illuminated.
- Inspect mud flaps and splash guards: Replace damaged parts to protect the paint and underbody from road debris.
- Assess steering components: Long highway trips and uneven terrain can accelerate wear on steering components. Have the steering system checked if you notice changes in handling.
- Check wheel lug nuts: Ensure these components are securely fastened, especially if your tires were recently rotated or replaced.
- Check radiator fins: Remove bugs, dirt and road grime from radiator fins to improve airflow and keep engine running at the proper temperature.
- Test power accessories: Operate power windows, mirrors, locks and the sunroof to make sure they are all functioning properly as autumn weather arrives.
- Inspect drive belts: Summer heat can cause drive belts to crack, fray or glaze. Replace worn belts before they fail.
- Remove unnecessary cargo: Clear out leftover summer gear and other unnecessary items to reduce vehicle weight and help improve fuel efficiency.
- Restock your emergency kit: Replace used supplies and add autumn essentials such as a rain poncho, reflective vest and waterproof flashlight.
- Check weatherstripping: Inspect the seals around the doors, trunk and sunroof for cracks, or signs of wear to prevent water leaks during autumn rain.
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