The seasons are beginning to change and before we know it, cold weather will be here! The seasonal changes affect your vehicle in many different ways. Regular vehicle maintenance along with seasonal-specific car care tasks will help your vehicle last throughout the changes.
Check Fluids: This is the most important car care routine. The fluids lubricate, cool, and perform other vital functions to keep your car running. Check all fluids under the hood including: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Inspect Tires: Tires affect the braking ability, handling performance, and overall safety of your vehicle – needless to say they are important! Measure the tread depth at the outer tread, center tread, and inner tread. If the any of the tread depths reading is 2/32” or less, the tires are a safety hazard and need replaced immediately! You should also check the tire pressure. Ensure the tires are inflated to the specification listed on the placard inside the door jamb.
Check Lights, Blades, and Brakes: Since nighttime comes earlier in the fall, you’re more than likely going to be driving in the dark. Ensure all lights are in proper working order. Snow can fall at any time during the fall and winter months. You will want to ensure your wiper blades and windshield washer are ready for these conditions. We don’t have to remind you the importance of your car’s breaks. Before the snow starts to fall is the perfect time to take a peek at your breaks to ensure they are good to go!
Check Heater: You will want a warm car during the crisp fall mornings and in the winter. Now is a good time to check the heater to see if it is blowing hot air. If it’s blowing cold air, there may be an underlying issue within the cooling system.
Emergency Kit: You never know when you are going to break down on the side of the road, or get stuck in traffic during the snowy weather. Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea to keep you and your passengers safe and warm. Emergency kits should include: extra hats and gloves, blankets, a flash light and batteries, jumper cables, a multipurpose utility tool, and a first aid kit.
As we say “goodbye” to summer and “hello” to fall and winter, North American Underwriters wants to ensure you are safe on the road. While you are making your way through your fall vehicle checklist, give us a call at (Farmington) (860) 674-4000 or (Hamden) (203) 230-8810, or visit us online at https://www.nauinsurance.com/ to review your auto insurance policy. Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared for anything!
Sources:
https://www.carparts.com/blog/five-fall-car-care-tips/
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/car-kit?