Are you ready for winter? Can you believe it’s already fall? October ushers in the busiest time of year for many people. With the holidays coming up, people worry about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving turkeys rather than their vehicles. Don’t make that mistake. It gets cold during the winter in Illinois, and you need to rely on your vehicle. Marks Auto Service can help with these five maintenance services.
1. Radiator Check
As you know, your vehicle relies on coolant/anti-freeze to prevent your automobile from overheating in the summer and freezing up in the winter. Fall is the perfect time to have the radiator system checked and filled with fresh anti-freeze if it needs it. The heater core should be looked at, too. If there is something wrong with it, you won’t be able heat the interior of your car, truck or SUV.
2. Wheels
Rain, sleet, ice, snow – these are what we face during the winter months. As you know, wet and/or icy roads are dangerous roads, so make sure to have your tires inspected before the first winter storm. It isn’t worth the risk of an accident to drive on bald tires during the winter, especially on slick roads. Rather, have the tire tread checked to make sure it isn’t worn and that it is wearing evenly.
3. Undercarriage
Your vehicle’s undercarriage should also be inspected before the weather turns. Salt used to improve traction on icy roads can rust the undercarriage and damage working parts. Make certain your undercarriage is ready to tackle the salt and also have your suspension checked. You don’t want to drive on winter roads without solid steering and traction.
4. Captain Obvious Stuff
You’re going to say “Thank you, Captain Obvious” when you read this paragraph but it bears repeating. Never head into winter without making sure your windshield wipers and defrosters are working properly. Change the wiper blades if they’re worn and test the defrosters. You can’t drive in the winter with a foggy windshield, so now is the time to check it out.
5. Lube, Oil and Filter
Finally, check to see when you had your vehicle’s oil changed last and have it done if it’s time to change it again. Aside from anti-freeze, motor oil also helps your engine run efficiently when it’s cold outside, so give the motor a fresh supply to ready it for the drop in temperatures. Synthetic motor oil withstands cold weather better than conventional motor does, so you may want to switch to that in the fall.
Marks Auto Service in Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL would be happy to give your vehicle a fall maintenance service.
