Vehicle Cleanup & Maintenance for Fall
Since October is almost upon us, it’s time for you to come to terms with the fact that ‘fall’ (love it or hate it) is just around the corner, and summer’s reign has ended. With fall comes earlier nights and colder weather, so you must take the time for vehicle cleanup and maintenance before fall is truly underway.
Luckily, there are a few auto care tips you can follow to ensure your car is ready for fall. Following the tips we discuss in this article will go a long way to protecting your vehicle investment. That is, until spring when you decide to trade it in or sell it to purchase a new vehicle from a reputable dealership like Certified Headquarters. So, without further ado, let’s discuss how to clean up and maintain your vehicle.
What Are Some Vehicle Cleanup And Maintenance Tips For Fall?
Since there are so many vehicle cleanup and maintenance tips for fall, it can be difficult to find and focus on the most important ones. That’s why we have done the work for you and found you some of the tips you need to use. Have a look below to learn more.
Give Your Vehicle A Wash And Wax
Besides giving your vehicle a thorough interior clean, it’s an excellent idea to give it a wash and wax before fall is upon you. Cleaning away the dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, and dead bugs before the new season will ensure you don’t end up with a truly filthy car once fall’s seasonal outdoor mess like fallen leaves, dirt, and twigs lands on it.
To add a durable extra layer of protection against the elements, you should wax your vehicle after washing it. Additionally, since waxes wear off fairly quickly, it’s a good idea to continue waxing your car every two to three months. If you purchase a new car after the fall, you should keep up with this practice.
Check your Cars Headlights
When your car begins to age and experience wear and tear, one of the components that also take strain is your headlights. Often a vehicle’s headlights can become hazy or cloudy, especially if you park your car outside.
Although this is a cosmetic problem, it’s also a safety risk because cloudy or hazy headlights can limit the amount of light your car can shine to light up dark roads during the fall season. In fact, according to some auto experts, cloudy headlights can reduce the effectiveness of headlights by up to 80 percent.
Luckily, fixing this situation isn’t too difficult as you can use a headlight restoration kit to clean your vehicle’s headlights. Should you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can get a professional at an auto shop to do it for you.
Perform A Battery Check
Another pro tip we can share with you is to perform a check on your battery before falls clutches truly settle in. This is because colder weather can affect your battery’s charge, cause it to be more sluggish, and cause it to die easier, especially if it’s old or damaged.
Although the best thing to do is to have your battery checked by a professional, there are some automotive things you can do on your own. For example, you should check that the cables make good contact with the terminals. You should also check for rust and corrosion and ensure your battery is clean.
Inspect Your Vehicles Wipers
You might not believe it, but there is a strong chance you’ll need your vehicle wipers during fall, depending on where you live. In some places, fall brings rain and miserable weather like snow. In weather like this, you will need fully functioning wipers.
That’s why you will need to check your wipers to see if they work as they should before fall begins. Checking your wipers is easy. Simply turn them on and see if they leave streaks of water behind on your windshield. If yours do, you need to replace them. In addition, it’s a good rule of thumb to replace your wipers every six to 12 months, even on a new car.
Using these tips makes you more likely to stay safe during your fall travels. You’re also more likely to keep your vehicle in good shape so that you can trade it in or sell it to purchase a new car. Should you decide to buy a newer model, you should consider speaking with our auto sales experts at Certified Headquarters.
Certified Headquarters can help match you with the car of your dreams in a streamlined buying process. When you’re ready to bravely take the next step, contact us, and we’ll be in touch.
