car driving on a road lined with fall foliage Many people prepare their car for the cold, snowy conditions of winter. Yet, what about fall weather? Autumn is fast approaching; the air is getting crisper and New Englanders are ready to post fall foliage pictures on Instagram.

Fall is also a great time for vehicle maintenance. You can prepare your car for this upcoming season and be one step ahead when winter comes in late December. We suggest five quick maintenance tips.

Check Your Brakes

It is always important to have properly functioning brakes, yet fall road conditions can present additional dangers. When the roads are slick and covered in wet leaves, you need extra stopping time that weak brakes wouldn’t allow. If the brake pads need to be replaced, fall is the time to schedule this repair so they’ll also be fresh for the start of winter.

Inspect Fluid Levels and Hoses

During the heat of summer, anti-freeze can become diluted. Anti-freeze helps regulate the temperature of your car’s engine. Replace if necessary and top off any other fluids that are low. If the hoses are worn or punctured, coolant could be leaking.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Wiper blades are used the most during fall and winter, between the rain, snow, sleet and hail. Rather than relying on the wipers used for the occasional spring shower or summer storm, the start of the fall season is the perfect time to get brand new ones.

Check Tire Pressure

In cooler temperatures, our vehicle’s tires lose pressure more easily. It is important for the safety of you and your passengers to have fully inflated tires. Not only does low tire pressure decrease fuel economy, but it can cause the driver to have difficulty controlling the vehicle.

Always Be Prepared

As it begins to get dark earlier and colder faster, preparation is key. If you get a flat tire or your car battery dies on a fall or winter evening, do you have a safety kit on hand? Keep the following items in your trunk in the event of an emergency:

  • Blankets
  • First Aid Kit
  • Flares
  • Flashlights
  • Gloves
  • Inflated spare tires
  • Jumper Cables

At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we offer premium services including full inspection, repair and maintenance. Let our experienced technicians help prepare your vehicle for fall. Schedule an appointment with us today.