Fall Car Care at Columbiana CDJR

After all the hustle and bustle of summer trips and vacations, it’s likely that your car has gotten a bit messy. The warmer weather can cause dust and pollen to build up on the exterior of your car, and repeatedly packing and unpacking your car can leave it in disarray. Plus, if you visited any beaches, there’s a good chance that some sand has been left behind on your floor mats. Once fall arrives, give your car a thorough cleaning both inside and out to make sure there are no lingering messes. You should also pull out your floor mats and vacuum or spray them, and vacuum the footwells and seats. You can also use a carpet cleaner on the seats if the upholstery allows, or just do a careful spot cleaning to remove any small stains. Lastly, wipe down your dashboard and vents, as well as all the high-touch areas like the windshield, gear shift, and handles.

Getting an oil change should be done on a regular basis no matter the time of year, but with all the traveling that typically happens during summer, there’s a good chance you might have put some miles on your car more quickly than usual. This means that your fall oil change might sneak up on you, and making your appointment ahead of time is the perfect way to stay up to date! Getting an oil change is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining your car, as it ensures that the oil running through your engine is fresh and clean, and free of any dirt or grime. Having fresh oil will ensure that your engine pistons are properly lubricated, so that they can slide freely without any excess friction that might otherwise cause your car to overheat. 

As you take stock of your entire vehicle, you may find that certain parts are in need of a replacement. This is especially true of your tires, especially if you live in an area that gets snowy winters like we do here in Columbiana, Ohio! You can change out your tires for either snow tires or all-weather tires, or have snow chains installed to help you get your car ready for winter. It’s also a good time to find a windshield wiper fluid with some anti-freeze to ward off any ice or frost on your windshield. You can also check out your wiper blades to see if they need replacing, as well as any other parts like valve stem caps, spark plugs, brake pads, and more. You can ask your mechanic to do a full sweep of your vehicle to get their opinion on what your car may need. It’s also worth considering any useful accessories, like storage organizers, rubberized floor mats, or car covers that might make maintaining your car that much easier in the future. 

Aside from getting an oil change, fall is a great opportunity to check in on all your car’s important fluids that aid in its proper function. These include windshield wiper fluid, which will ensure the best possible visibility, and coolant which will keep your engine at the proper temperature. You should also check on your brake fluid, as well as the brake lines that carry it to make sure they’re free of cracks and holes. The brake fluid is what makes hydraulic brake systems function properly, so that you can count on your car to come to a complete stop whenever you apply pressure to the brake pedal. Lastly, go ahead and check on the amount of air in your tires. While this isn’t a fluid, it’s a quick and easy element to check in on to be sure that your tires have neither too much nor too little air. 

If you’re ready to take care of all your car’s needs for fall, be sure to make an appointment with our service center here at Columbiana CDJR! You can schedule an appointment either by giving us a call, or by filling out the online form right here on our website. We can help with routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and snow tire changeovers. Or, if you’re experiencing any issues with your car, we’ll be happy to diagnose and repair the problem. We’ll even help you order and install any parts and accessories you might need. Get in touch with us today to make your appointment with Columbiana CDJR!