It's time to check your fall car maintenance as the days get shorter, the air gets crisper, and the leaves start to fall. When the temperature drops, the performance of your vehicle may suffer. Follow this checklist to ensure you're ready for the cold weather.
Examine Your Heater and DefrosterYou haven't probably used your vehicle's heater since last spring, so make sure every vent is producing hot air. Also, make sure your front and rear defrosters are working and expelling heat. If the process is taking too long, have your heater and defroster systems serviced. You will be grateful come Winter.
Steering and Suspension
Schedule an appointment with our service department to look over your steering system, suspension and front-end alignment. We recommend getting this done at least once a year, and there is no better time than ahead of the colder months.
Have Your Brakes Serviced
If you detect any problems with your brakes, bring your car in for a brake examination. Brake pads eventually wear out, and you don't want your brakes to fail in icy circumstances.
Check Your Tires
Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, don't take them for granted. Do your tires have noticeable wear? How is your tire pressure? Changes in the weather cause tire pressure to fluctuate. If you've been putting off new tires, take a look at our
service and parts specials. It's easier than putting yourself and family at risk this winter.
Refresh Your Winter Safety Kit
You may already have a winter safety kit in your car, but take a few minutes to check and make sure you have a space blanket, a few pairs of gloves, an ice scraper, (two is better!) a first aid kit and some granola bars and bottled water at the very least.
Check the washer fluid and Replace the Windshield Wipers.
Sun exposure during the summer can cause windshield wipers to fracture, so check them now before inclement weather strikes. Check your washer fluid and replace your windshield wipers to ensure you're ready for winter. This is also an excellent opportunity to check your windshield. If you detect any cracks or chips, please contact our staff to get it examined.
Get Your Oil Changed
If you’re at your recommended oil change time (check your owner’s manual), change your oil. Old oil that needs to be changed will be even more sluggish due to in the cold and contaminants. Pay attention to your oil change sensor and set up an
oil change near Dallas today!
Check Engine Light
When your car’s Check Engine light is on, it means there may be a problem with your vehicle. If you've been driving with the Check Engine light on, you should schedule an appointment with us to determine the issue. Don't head into winter driving with an undiagnosed issue that could be a major problem.
Check For Battery Problems
We put more demands on our cars in cold weather. What might have seemed like a little issue back in the summertime could quickly result in a dead battery in the winter. If you notice your lights are dimmer, or you hear an odd sound when you start your car, a low battery could be the cause.
Replace the Cabin Air FilterA clogged cabin air filter can dramatically reduce airflow through your car's heater, stressing the blower motor and possibly the engine. Having the filter replaced at your next checkup will save you time and money in the long run.
Check All of Your LightsThis one is easy. Just walk around your vehicle with your lights turned on. Check the headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers. If there are any broken bulbs, we can replace them at your next service appointment. If they're all working, make sure your lights are clean. You will feel a lot safer with better visibility this winter.
Give Your Car a Full Cleaning
Make sure to take your car to your local car wash and give it a full cleaning inside and out. Make sure to vacuum the interior too. Taking care of your vehicle inside and out ensures you'll get the most resale value if and when you choose to sell or trade it in.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your car and keeps you safer on the road. We understand and want your car to survive as long as possible at Grubbs Family of Dealerships.
Schedule an appointment at our service department today after reviewing our servicing offerings. We hope to see you there
