Once school is back in session, car maintenance tends to slide until something goes wrong. Usually that is a 6:45 a.m. morning with sleet on the windshield and a warning light on the dash. This fall car maintenance checklist covers the five checks that prevent most of the winter problems we see at our Machesney Park shop every November and December.
1. See Clearly: Wiper Blades and Windshield Treatment
Wiper blades usually last six months to a year, and summer heat hardens the rubber faster than most people expect. If your wipers streak, chatter or leave a haze, replace them before the first freezing rain. A rain-repellent windshield treatment makes rain and sleet bead up and roll off the glass, so you rely less on the wipers at highway speed. Paired with new blades, it is one of the cheapest safety upgrades you can make for winter driving. Learn more about our wiper and windshield services.
2. Grip the Road: Tires and Alignment
Cold air lowers tire pressure, about one PSI for every 10 degrees. Check the pressure once the weather turns, and look at tread depth. If a quarter inserted head-first into the tread shows the top of Washington’s head, it is time to start shopping for new tires.
New tires should get an alignment with them. An out-of-alignment car wears a new set unevenly and can take thousands of miles off its life. Signs your alignment is off:
- The car pulls to one side
- The steering wheel sits off-center when you drive straight
- One edge of the tread is wearing faster than the rest
3. Start Every Morning: Battery
Batteries rarely give much warning. Cold weather cuts their cranking power, and a battery that turned over fine in September can fail in January. Most batteries last three to five years. If yours is in that range, have it load-tested as part of a starting and charging system check. The NHTSA winter driving guide also recommends checking your battery, tires and lights before cold weather sets in.
4. Stay Warm and Safe: Heat, Coolant and Lights
Check that the heater and defroster work before you need them. Have the coolant mix tested, since the wrong ratio can freeze (see our fluid services). Walk around the car and check every light. Days get shorter fast, and a burned-out bulb is easy to miss. We replace headlights, brake lights and turn signals while you wait.
5. Do Not Ignore the Dash
A warning light that comes and goes is still telling you something. Getting it checked early is almost always cheaper than waiting. Every visit includes a digital vehicle inspection with photos and video sent to your phone, so you see exactly what we see before you approve anything.
Fall Car Maintenance Checklist FAQs
How often should I replace my wiper blades?
Every six to twelve months, or sooner if they streak, chatter or leave a haze. Replacing them in the fall means you start winter with fresh rubber.
Do I need an alignment when I buy new tires?
It is strongly recommended. A misaligned car wears new tires unevenly, which shortens their life and wastes the money you just spent.
How do I know if my car battery will last through winter?
A load test tells you how much cranking power the battery has left. If your battery is three or more years old, have it tested before the first cold snap.
Get Your Fall Car Maintenance Done in Machesney Park
Bring this fall car maintenance checklist with you, or let us run through it for you. Carz R Us is a locally owned auto repair shop at 10208 Smythe Ave, Machesney Park, IL 61115, serving Machesney Park, Loves Park, Roscoe and Rockton since 2009. Every repair carries our 3-year / 36,000-mile parts and labor warranty. Call or text (815) 877-4277 or book your appointment online.