Practical tips to help you get your car ready for autumn roads.
The weather is cooling down and fall is finally here. Now is the perfect time to begin thinking about and preparing your vehicle for cooler temperatures and adverse road conditions. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a few of our top tips!
Give it a good clean. All the insects and bird droppings on your windshield may hinder your visibility, so you’ll want to be sure to give your car a wash. Fall is also a great opportunity to clean the inside of your vehicle since you may be less motivated to do so when it gets too cold outside.
Replace windshield wipers if necessary. Your wipers should be replaced every 6 months to a year. Older wipers tend to make less contact with your window and are not as effective in clearing rain, leaves, or snow away from your windshield.
Change your oil. Your car should be running as smoothly as possible for maximum efficiency this winter. Ask your mechanic what type of oil is best for your vehicle.
Replenish fluids. Fall is a great time to pop the hood and inspect the fluid levels. The antifreeze, washer fluid, and others should be either flushed out and replaced, or topped up.
Check your tires. Are your tires ready to handle the winter road conditions? Ensure there is plenty of tread left on each tire, otherwise, consider getting a new set before the slippery road season begins. Top up your tires while you’re at it to ensure they are at the optimum pressure for fuel efficiency and road handling.
Clean and check the headlights. Especially in heavy fog and snow, you’ll need all the light you can get. If the plastic on your lights has become hazy, make them sparkle again by buffing and polishing them.
Top up with proper emergency materials. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with the essentials for winter driving, such as:
- Ice scraper
- First aid kit
- Flares
- Jumper cables
- Small shovel
- Toolkit
- Blankets
- Water
- Flashlight and extra batteries
We hope this list gives you a jump-start into getting your car ready for this fall and winter. Do you need help finding the right car policy for your needs? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Kurt Rolf Insurance Agency. Serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, South Dakota, and Arizona; our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your coverage needs.
