5 Pro Tips to Prepare Your Car for Fall

When people think of seasonal changes taking a toll on their car in Cincinnati, they generally think of the summer heat or the winter cold. While it’s true that those are the seasons when a car is most likely to experience a serious problem related to weather, what people often forget is you don’t want to wait until something has already gone wrong.

Even though this fall is turning out to be on the warmer side of things, temperatures are definitely starting to drop at night. And those temps are only going to dip lower as we move through the rest of fall and get to winter. So if you want to put your car in the best position to operate smoothly throughout the rest of fall and be fully prepped for the challenges of winter, here are our top five tips on what to check:

1. Hoses, Belts and Fluids

Hoses and belts are two elements of a car that are especially prone to damage caused by changing temperatures. While these elements don’t cost a lot to replace, in the event they break, they can cause damage that is much more costly to remedy. Checking hoses and belts also provides a good opportunity to make sure all your fluid levels are topped up.

2. Fuel Levels

Some people like to fill their tank as soon as the fuel indicator drops below half, while others take pride in being able to make it very low before refilling. If you belong to the second group, trying to refuel before your tank goes quite as low can help you avoid a fall or winter mishap.

3. Antifreeze

We’re already getting within range of when antifreeze is important during fall nights. Because this is something that can easily get diluted during the summer months, checking your antifreeze and topping it off if necessary is something you will be very happy you did.

4. Emergency Supplies

Despite all your best efforts, there’s always a chance of something going wrong when you’re on the road. In the event you do ever get stranded anywhere while driving, it’s important to be prepared. That’s why you should have a variety of emergency supplies in your car. A blanket, gloves, ice scraper, candles, jumper cables, flares and first aid kit can all make a big difference in an emergency situation.

5. Tire Pressure and Fuel Lines

Last but certainly not least, check your tire pressure now and on an ongoing basis. Get a professional to inspect your tires if you notice any sudden swings in pressure. You can also get your fuel lines checked. Using a fuel supplement can help prevent any problems from occurring when it gets really cold.

If you want to get your car in great shape for fall and winter but you’re currently dealing with a problem related to a car accident, be sure to take a look at the car services we offer at USA Collision Centers.