Cooler mornings, falling leaves, and shorter days are all signs that winter is on its way. Before the first frost—or surprise snowstorm—takes you off guard, now is the time to make sure your vehicle is ready.
A little maintenance in the fall can help you avoid a dead battery, poor visibility, worn tires, or a bigger repair when the weather turns.
Here are eight things to check before winter arrives.
1. Tires
Your tires do a lot more than get you from point A to point B. They’re what help you grip the road when rain, slush, ice, and snow show up.
Check your tire tread, look for uneven wear, and make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If your tread is getting low or your vehicle is pulling to one side, it may be time for new tires, a rotation, or an alignment.
If you regularly drive in hilly areas, on unplowed roads, or during frequent snow events, it may also be worth considering whether winter tires make sense for your commute.
2. Battery
Cold weather can be tough on a battery—especially one that is already starting to lose strength. The last thing you want is to be stuck in your driveway, work parking lot, or school pickup line with a vehicle that won’t start.
If your vehicle has been slow to start, your lights seem dim, or your battery is more than a few years old, have it tested before temperatures drop.
3. Brakes
Fall is a smart time to pay attention to how your brakes feel. If you hear squealing or grinding, feel vibration when stopping, or notice your vehicle takes longer to slow down, don’t wait to get it checked out.
Brakes are important every day of the year, but they matter even more when roads are wet, icy, or unpredictable.
4. Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Clear visibility is a must when rain, sleet, snow, and road spray enter the picture. Take a look at your wiper blades. If they leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or make a lot of noise, it’s probably time for a replacement.
While you’re at it, top off your windshield washer fluid with a winter-ready formula. You’ll be glad you did the first time the roads get messy.
5. Lights
With shorter days, you’ll likely be driving in the dark more often. Walk around your vehicle and check that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights are all working properly.
If your headlights look cloudy or dim, a professional can help restore or replace them so you can see—and be seen—more clearly.
6. Heating and Defrosting Systems
Your heat keeps you comfortable, but your defroster helps keep you safe. Before winter arrives, make sure your heating system is working properly and that air is flowing where it should.
If your windows take a long time to clear, you notice weak airflow, or your heat isn’t getting warm, it’s worth having your system inspected now.
7. Fluids
Your vehicle relies on several fluids to keep things running smoothly. Fall is a good time to check your oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid.
Coolant is especially important as temperatures fall. It helps protect your engine from freezing in the winter and overheating year-round. If you’re not sure what your vehicle needs, the CarShop service team can take a look.
8. Emergency Supplies
Even a well-maintained vehicle can run into the unexpected. Make sure you have the basics on hand: jumper cables, a phone charger, a first-aid kit, a jack and spare tire, and your insurance and registration information.
As winter gets closer, it’s also a good idea to add a flashlight, warm blanket, ice scraper, snow brush, gloves, and a small shovel. A small bag of sand or kitty litter can also provide extra traction if you get stuck.
Get Ahead of Winter
Winter driving is a lot easier when your vehicle is ready for it. Taking care of these eight checks in the fall can help you drive with more confidence—and help you avoid the kind of surprise repairs nobody wants.
And once winter arrives, don’t forget to wash your vehicle regularly. Road salt can build up on the exterior and underneath your vehicle, so keeping it clean can help protect it through the season.