How to get your Car Ready for Fall

Take in the last warm nights and hot days because Summer is almost over. And yes, I know with the recent 30 C temperatures some parts of Canada were spoiled with last week, it makes it hard to believe, but it is true. With the arrival of Fall, it would be smart to get your vehicle prepared. It won’t be long before you have those freezing cold mornings and by the afternoon all the layers you dressed with are a distant memory. But nonetheless, preparing your vehicle is important. 

Unlike with the Winter and Summer seasons, that seem to wreak the most havoc on your vehicle, Fall is a little more nicer (in some ways). However, the rain and sometimes even snow, love to make their presence known just a little bit longer, as they overstay their visit on the car’s exterior. This can lead to corrosion or even serve as a starting point for rust. Not to mention, road salt will not help. 

Fix Every Scratch

First things first, you need to fix every scratch. A combination of rain, sleet, hail, and snow could lead to some serious damage to your car, especially in the areas that are a little more imperfect than others. Most times scratches and scrapes can be fixed at home by you, (even if you know nothing about cars, so don’t worry) and don’t cost much to resolve either. Retailers like Canadian Tire, Amazon, and Walmart (to name a few) sell repair kits that make this part a little easier. You can also check your local mechanic shop or dealer to get advice on the repairs you’re not sure about, and to see if they sell kits as well.

Car Battery

Fall is a good time to make sure the car battery is functioning the way it should. Ensure the cables and terminals are connected securely and adjust/retighten anything that looks or could come loose. Connections can be cleaned if there is dirt buildup or corrosion with the use of a wire brush or cleaning tool.

Some vehicles require you to re-enter a security code on the car’s internal radio or navigation system once the wires to the battery are disconnected and reconnected so make sure to pay attention to this as well. However, the whole cleaning process only applies to your vehicle if you don’t have a sealed maintenance free battery with no removable caps. If there are removable caps, check the water level periodically and refill with distilled water when necessary. 

Tip: If the car is going to be parked or sitting around for a while, it is recommended that you purchase a trickle charger to keep it charged. Like everything, batteries are no exception to losing their strength or power over time so you have to be proactive on maintaining/replacing your battery. Another thing to keep in mind is batteries come in all different sizes, so when make sure to do your research first. The owner’s manual or in store guide will help with this as they will have all the details you need for the battery. You can also consult with a professional if you have any questions to ensure you are buying the one you need. 

Wipers

Wipers have to arguably be the most important asset to a car – especially in Fall. A clear sign you need to clean/replace your wipers is the streaks of water left behind on the windshield when they are going back and forth. They actually are one of the fastest things to go on a car too, believe it or not. The wipers tend to degrade faster and its recommended that they are changed/replaced every 6-12 months. However, if you find yourself struggling to see clearly after replacing them, then a simple wipe of the blade (using paper towel and glass cleaner) will do the trick. This simple task can prolong the lifespan of the blades by a few more weeks or even months!

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many recommendations that are out there for your car, so make sure to do your research, talk to your mechanic or dealership to find out more ways to be prepared. Feel free to send us your pictures, advice, or even top ideas through our social media handles or in the comments.  

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