You might not be ready for winter yet; we aren’t. Still, fall is here and winter is right around the corner. It’s already the holiday season, so put away your swimsuit and pull out the sweaters. Get your furnace serviced and your vehicle, too… wait a minute. Your vehicle? Yes, Autobahn Automotive recommends the following services in the fall to ensure your European automobile is ready for the cold weather, too.
Tire Pressure and Tread Check
Your tires need some TLC in the fall to make sure they can handle the wet winter roads. The tread should be assessed to ensure it is wearing down evenly and that you still have enough tread left. The air pressure should also be checked to ensure your tires are not underinflated. Worn and/or underinflated tires cannot grab the road properly, which means you stand a much higher chance of hydroplaning when it’s raining or snowing. If you need new tires, now is the time to get them.
Antifreeze Check
The radiator system should be flushed every 30,000 miles generally. Check your owner’s manual to see the recommended mileage milestone for your vehicle’s radiator. You want to make certain the antifreeze is clean and ready to prevent engine damage. You also want to make certain you don’t have any leaks in the radiator or hoses. As in the summertime when the mercury rises, the coolant/antifreeze protects your engine from the mercury drop; it keeps it running efficiently no matter the temperature.
Suspension Inspection
Your suspension is more than your shocks or struts. It’s also your steering system and all the springs and undercarriage bearings, bushings and joints among other things. As with your tires, controlling your vehicle in inclement weather is difficult if any part of your vehicle suspension is worn. For example, your struts directly affect how your tires grab the road. If they’re broken down, you won’t get the grip you need to ensure you remain safe when things get wet, icy and slippery.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to have your oil changed. Motor oil lubricates engine parts to prevent them from overheating, wear and tear. Winter ushers in freezing temperatures that can gunk up old or dirty motor oil. Call Autobahn Automotive at 732-716-3222 to schedule an appointment for an oil change and other fall maintenance inspections to get your vehicle winter ready. We’re located in beautiful Sea Girt, NJ.
