Five Tricks to Treat Your Vehicle This Fall

Time to stock up on bite size candies, because another Halloween is upon us. As per usual, with spooky season comes a drop in temperatures and the grim reminder that your car is not immune to the mischiefs of Autumn. Uncharged batteries, hindered windshields, flat tires… these are just a few of the seasonal threats looming.

Luckily, we have five simple tricks to help offset these issues. This Fall, treat your automobile to a longer, healthier lifespan by adhering to the following:

Normalize Regular Car Washes

It can be hard to summon the energy to get to the car wash when the wind is whipping outside, especially if your car doesn’t appear excessively dirty or grimy. But regularly washing your car goes beyond merely enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The accumulation of dirt, grime, and other foreign substances can cause corrosion, particularly on the undercarriage. Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine helps prevent such unwanted materials from causing damage.

Consider the cosmetic upkeep of your vehicle as more than just caring for its exterior. Look under the hood for any potential battery corrosion. Inside the vehicle, safeguard your mats with a protective spray or a clear vinyl mat, as excessive dirt can lead to rapid wear and tear. Regular vacuuming of the mats can help, and in extreme cases, a comprehensive wash with soapy water can be beneficial. Your passengers shouldn’t be frightened when they enter your car – that’s best left for horror films.

Ditch the Excess Baggage

Consider minimizing the items in your vehicle’s storage compartment when they’re not essential for your journey. Transporting bulky, weighty objects may potentially lower your fuel efficiency and exert unnecessary pressure on your tire pressure.

It’s still important to keep your essentials within reach, including first-aid kit, antifreeze, jumper cables, and a spare tire. However, consider that your trunk may not be the most suitable place to store home appliances like air conditioners throughout the winter. If you’re able to lighten the load, do so before you go.

Don’t Let Your Vehicle Die of Thirst

The significance of constant hydration levels in the human bodies is a given to us – even when the recommended eight glasses of daily water intake challenges our bladder capacity. Similarly, your automobile also requires regular fluid top-ups to maintain its smooth operation.

Monthly checks and refills of engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant are essential. Furthermore, inspecting both brake and transmission fluids at least biannually is recommended. Remember to keep an ample supply of windshield washer fluid, particularly during extensive journeys or in challenging weather conditions. After all…

Wipe the Slate with Your Wiper Blades

…ensuring excellent visibility should be the main priority for every vehicle owner. The relative ease of summer often lulls us into overlooking how rapidly the condition of our windshields can deteriorate when winter arrives. A sudden snowstorm combined with faulty wiper blades could pose a lethal driving risk that no one should be taking.

As the temperature drops, your wiper blades might start to wear down subtly, even if they appear to function properly. Make sure to regularly inspect the rubber components of your blades and clean them. Clear away any twigs, leaves, and other bits of autumnal debris. Generally, it’s advised to change your wiper blades every six to twelve months. Consider using Halloween as an annual reminder for this important maintenance task.

Don’t Hesitate to Schedule a Service Appointment

Just as you would diligently investigate every nook and cranny of a haunted mansion before traveling any further, so should you take the same precautionary measures when it comes to your vehicle’s health. If your vehicle should begin to exhibit any signs of mischief this Halloween, it’s imperative that you make an appointment with our Service Center.

Whether you need an oil change, battery diagnosis, or tire replacement, there’s nothing to be scared of when you take your vehicle to be serviced at Healdsburg Chevrolet, Sonoma County’s #1 Chevy dealership. Browse through out inventory of new and used vehicles today, and treat yourself to your dream car without fear of trickery.