Five Ways to Care for Your Car This Fall

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, we encourage our customers to prepare for the road ahead. Now is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for the changing seasons and weather. Here are five tips to your car or truck running efficiently this fall from the vehicle maintenance experts at Loudon Motors Ford.

1. HAVE YOUR CAR BATTERY TESTED AND REPLACED IF NEEDED

According to AAA, nearly 25% of their roadside assistance calls in Ohio this time of year battery-related. Low temperatures can wreak havoc on a car’s battery by slowing down chemical reactions that power your vehicle. Pair that with sudden increased temperatures during the day, and it could spell disaster for an aging battery.

Don’t wait until the day when your vehicle won’t start! The techs at Loudon Motors Ford perform FREE battery checks every day, and they can recommend a battery replacement, if necessary. If your battery is at least 3 years old or has sat for extended periods of time this year, have a technician test it before winter hits.

2. SCHEDULE AN OIL CHANGE AND OIL FILTER CHANGE

Oil changes are so important for keeping your vehicle performing its best. As motor oil does its job by lubricating and cooling the engine, it picks up impurities along the way. As the oil ages, it becomes less effective. That’s why routinely changing your oil helps protect your engine and extend the life of your vehicle. Schedule your oil change at Loudon Motors Ford today! Our professional technicians will have you in and out and back on the road in no time.

3. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND TREAD

Fluctuations in temperature can cause fluctuations in tire pressure. As a general rule, tires lose or gain 1 PSI for every 10 degrees in temperature. Cooler weather decreases tire pressure, which makes tires more susceptible to uneven wear and damage. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.

While you’re down there checking the pressure, take a look at the tread on each tire. Without adequate tire tread to hug the road as you drive, you could be putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. Wet leaves on the road make balding tires especially dangerous. Use the “penny test” to see if your tires need replaced this fall, and if they do, give us a call. Our low-price guarantee on select tire brands can’t be beat! Click here to find the best tire for your vehicle with pricing and warranty information.

4. CHANGE YOUR FILTERS

When it comes to performing preventative maintenance on your vehicle, filtration is an often overlooked area of importance especially while preparing for the colder months.

The engine air filter keeps the air your engine “breathes” clean and free of dirt, dust, and other particles — all of which can affect how efficiently your car runs. A dirty air filter can result in ignition problems and lower gas mileage.

Dirt, debris from autumn leaves, bugs and pollen can also infiltrate a vehicle’s interior if the cabin filter is clogged. Changing the cabin air filter regularly helps keep the cabin air clean and protects the vehicle’s heating system at the same time. Clogged cabin air filters can restrict defroster performance, too, making it harder to see out of the windshield.

5. ENSURE GOOD VISIBILITY

Lights feeling a little dim at night? Consider giving them a good scrub. Just like our vehicles get dirty, so do headlights and taillights. Combine a mixture of baking soda and water and apply with a soft brush (like a toothbrush!). This will make your lights shine again. If needed, a quick bulb replacement is easy for our technicians. Functional headlights and taillights are not only safest, they’re required by Ohio law.

Our automotive experts also recommend changing wiper blades every six months or when they leave streaks or miss spots. Wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. It’s fairly easy to replace a windshield wiper blade yourself, but if you can always schedule a service appointment at Loudon Motors Ford to replacement and installation.

No matter where you’re driving this fall – across town or across the country – Loudon Motors Ford has you covered for all of your autumn car maintenance needs. It’s easy to book an appointment online for any of these services, and our friendly technicians are trained to work on all makes and models. It’s our pleasure to keep you and your family safe on the road! Book an appointment online or give us a call, and let our team handle all of your car care needs.