Spooky season is upon us, bringing cooler weather and the unfortunate reminder that your vehicle is susceptible to all sorts of Fall trickery. Dead batteries, obstructed windshields, deflated tires… these are just some of the horrors waiting to jump out at us by the time Halloween rolls around.
Fortunately, we’ve got five easy tricks of our own that, together, add up to an inexpensive treat for your vehicle.
Make Washing Your Vehicle into a Routine Activity
It may seem pointless to wash your car after, say, a week’s worth of rain showers. But regularly cleaning your car provides more than just a cosmetic upgrade. Beyond damaging your car’s paint, dirt, grime, and other foreign substances can corrode the undercarriage. A constant cleaning schedule helps keep such unwanted materials from slipping through the cracks.
Cosmetic maintenance shouldn’t be limited to the car’s exterior. Get under your hood and check your battery for any signs of corrosion. Inside the car, protect your floor mats with a protector spray or clear vinyl mat, as the buildup of too much muck could wear them out quickly. Vacuum your mats whenever possible, and if the situation gets too dire, give them a thorough wash with soapy water. Your passengers shouldn’t be afraid when they step into your car – leave that to the horror movies.
Travel Lightly
Whenever they’re not necessary for your trip, consider reducing the number of items you keep in your vehicle’s storage space. When you transport large, heavy items, you run the risk of reducing your gas mileage, and are putting an excess strain on your tire pressure.
Be sure to always keep essentials on hand, including a first-aid kit, antifreeze, jumper cables, and a spare tire. But consider that the trunk of your car may not be the ideal storage space for your air conditioner all winter.
Keep Hydrated
Humans know the importance of constant hydration – even when our bladders are rebelling against the doctor-recommended eight glasses of water a day. Just as the human body needs fluids to sustain itself, your vehicle should never be left thirsty.
Engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant should all be checked and topped off once a month. It is also a good idea to check brake and transmission fluids at least twice a year. And make sure to keep your windshield washer fluid well supplied, especially if you’re embarking on a long trip or if the weather appears cumbersome. After all…
Change Your Wiper Blades
…pristine visibility should be front and foremost on the list of any automobile owner’s list of priorities. Low-maintenance summer days make us forget how abysmal your windshield’s condition can quickly become once winter weather settles in. The mixture of a sudden snow squall and ineffective wiper blades could be the deadly combination you didn’t realize you were unprepared for.
As the weather starts to get cooler, your wiper blades could start gradually corroding – even if they are still performing well. Check the rubber strips on the blades and give them the occasional wiping. Remove branches, leaves, and other autumnal debris. In general, you should replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months – so why not make Halloween your annual reminder to do so?
Schedule Your Car for Maintenance Sooner Than Later
Much like checking every corner of a haunted house, there’s no such thing as being too safe when it comes to the health of your vehicle. Maintaining a regular service schedule is a must, but when your vehicle starts showing any signs of mischief this Halloween, don’t hesitate to make an impromptu appointment with our Service Department.
From tires to windshield repair, Avalon Honda is here for all your Fall service needs. And for a treat of your own, stop by our recently renovated showroom today to explore our full inventory of new or used vehicles.
