Fall Tune up Time: 6 Essential Vehicle Prep Tips for Colder Weather

September 23rd, 2014  |  Auto Insurance

The weather is starting to change and so are the maintenance requirements for your vehicle. While it’s still too early to pull out your winter tires, there are a number of other things you can do to tune up your vehicle and get it ready for the fall and cold weather ahead. 

1. Give your car a good cleaning: A change in season is the perfect opportunity to give your vehicle a thorough interior and exterior cleaning. Whether you hire a detailing company or do the job yourself, it’s time to clean out your car, remove unnecessary items from the trunk, and make your car look new again. It is also a good idea to have a coat of wax added to the exterior of your car to protect it from the elements this winter. Check outCar Cleaning Tips For The Fall
2. Replace the floor mats: Fall not only brings cooler weather, it also brings wet weather. Give your car the added boost of protection by switching out your summer floor mats for your winter floor mats that are better equipped for the cool and wet weather. 
3. Winter emergency kit: Now is also the perfect time to put your winter emergency kit in the trunk. Check your kit and make sure its fully equipped with everything you will need should your vehicle breakdown during the winter. Don’t have one? Now is a great time to buy one or put one together using items you have at home. See:Tips For Creating Your Own Winter Emergency Kit For Your Car
4. Replace your wiper blades: The fall is the perfect time of the year to replace your windshield wiper blades. You will need them to work their best during the fall and winter, so it makes sense to change them before the cold weather hits. Also, make sure to top up your windshield washer fluid, and depending on the temperature in your area, switch to washer fluid that is ideal for winter weather.
5. Take your car in for a tune up: Taking your car in for a tune up is the best way to prepare for the winter driving season, especially if you have not taken your car in for service recently. Having a professional mechanic give your car a tune up is a proactive way to make sure your car is free of issues, and if it needs work, you can have the work completed before it becomes a potential issue down the road. 
6. Check your winter tires: If you have had your winter tires for a few years now, it is a good idea to check them throrougly before having them installed for the winter seasons. If you don’t have winter tires, now is a great time to buy winter tires as many companies have them on sale. 

These tasks will help you get your vehicle tuned up for the fall and winter driving season. Are you ready for it?