Where did the summer go? It’s already time to start thinking about end-of-the-summer maintenance. The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers these tips to get your car ready for fall driving:
• First, read the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.
• Have engine driveability problems like hard starts, rough idling, stalling, and diminished power corrected at a good repair shop. The colder fall weather will only make existing problems worse. Make sure that you replace dirty air, fuel and PCV filter.
• Change your oil and oil filter as specified in the owner’s manual. If your driving is predominantly in the city with a lot of stop and go, consider changing it before the recommend time period.
• The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Also have the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses checked by a certified automotive technician.
• Make sure your heater works.
• Have a certified auto technician check your battery and its connections.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs and replace any that are not functioning. Clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel.
• Have your vehicle placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should also be checked. Exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide can be deadly.
• Make sure that you check your tires for remaining tread life and uneven wearing. Check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check the tire pressure at least once a month.
