As the summer gives way to cooler temperatures, fall marks the ideal time to perform seasonal car maintenance tasks. Thus, Curry Synthetics in Maywood shares eight tips to prepare your car for fall.
Fall maintenance is crucial to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming colder months. Believe it or not, this is the time to ensure the car delivers optimal performance and reliability while avoiding faults during fall and winter. By taking proactive measures now, you can prevent potential breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your engine. This comprehensive guide will shed light on the best seasonal car maintenance tasks in the fall.
Changing Engine Oil and Filters
One of the most critical fall maintenance tasks is changing your car's engine oil and filters. As you may already know, engine oil lubricates and protects vital components and prevents metal-on-metal contact while reducing friction and wear. So, it's no secret that engine oil eventually breaks down due to these efforts, which makes fall the best time to replace the old fluid with the new. Otherwise, the motor won't operate at peak performance during the colder months.
Consider using high-quality synthetic motor oils from reputable brands like AMSOIL in your next oil change. Their wide range of formulas delivers superb protection against extreme temperatures and maintains their viscosity better than conventional oils.
Inspecting and Replacing Belts and Hoses
Fall is an excellent time to inspect your vehicle's belts and hoses for signs of wear, cracking, or damage. Cold temperatures threaten these pieces because rubber components become brittle, increasing their chances of failure. Inspecting the serpentine belt, timing belt (if applicable), and coolant hoses will help you prevent possible damage.
If you notice any major issues on these pieces, have them replaced promptly to stay ahead of unexpected breakdowns and potential engine damage. Also, consider using high-quality belts and hoses from reputable manufacturers, which offer enhanced durability and performance.
Checking the Cooling System
Remember that it's best to use antifreeze or coolant with a lower freezing point during the fall and winter months. Also, ensure that the radiator and coolant reservoir are at the proper levels, and look for leaks or signs of corrosion to fix them timely. If necessary, flush the cooling system and replace the coolant to start fresh.
Spark plugs play a vital role in combustion by igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled or worn, leading to misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance. Still, you'll have nothing to worry about if you check in on the spark plugs and replace them when necessary. Opt for high-quality iridium or platinum spark plugs, which offer better longevity and performance than conventional copper ones.
Addressing Fuel System Maintenance
Fall maintenance should also include checkups for fuel system issues. Consider using a fuel system cleaner or additive to remove carbon deposits from the fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chamber. Lastly, don't forget to keep fuel injectors clean to ensure proper fuel atomization and combustion.
Checking and Replacing Air Filters
Replacing the fuel filter is always a wise choice to guarantee continuous fuel flow. Inspecting and replacing a dirty or clogged air filter is paramount to ensure peak engine performance and fuel efficiency down the line. So, opting for an immaculate air filter provides unobstructed airflow to the engine, enhancing combustion efficiency and alleviating stress on the machinery.
Testing the Battery and Electrical System
No seasonal car maintenance session is complete without checking the battery, as cold weather can significantly affect its performance and stress the electrical system. Thus, testing the battery's voltage and carefully examining the terminals for any signs of corrosion is important. To prevent unforeseen breakdowns, replace the battery if it's old or displaying faults. Moreover, it's crucial to inspect the performance of your vehicle's alternator and ensure the electrical connections work well.
Inspecting the Exhaust System
You can't skip inspections of the exhaust system during the cold months! Look for signs of rust, damage, or leaks in the exhaust pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter. A well-maintained exhaust system ensures proper emission control and reduces the risk of harmful gases entering the vehicle cabin.