SPONSORED: 6 tips for fall car care

Fall is here! Break out your boots, pick up your pumpkin spice latte, and hit the road to see all the fall foliage you can feast your eyes upon. However, while you’re enjoying the best parts of the season, don’t forget to get your car ready for it! Fall car care is important here in Charlotte, and our Toyota service techs are here to tell you all about it and how you can get your ride ready for the switch of seasons.

Fall car care is simple if you use these 6 tips

Tip #1: Have your brake system inspected. Roads get more slippery in the fall because of wet leaves and more precipitation, whether it’s rain or ice, and this means you may have to make sudden stops to avoid other cars. Have your brake system inspected by our Charlotte Toyota Service techs so they can check all components and ensure you’ll be able to come to an efficient and safe stop every time.

Tip #2: Check your tire pressure and overall condition. Are your tires ready to take on fall? Dead leaves can make conditions treacherous, as can ice and rain. Make sure your tires have the necessary traction to handle it. You should also check your tire PSI as part of your fall car care because lower temperatures outside can cause the air to become denser in the tire, lowering your PSI past the point of safe.

Tip #3: Make sure your headlights work properly. The days get shorter in the fall, especially with Daylight Saving. When you fall back, you may find yourself commuting in the dark! Test your headlights and brake lights to ensure they're working correctly and if they're not shining bright like they used to, schedule headlight restoration at our Charlotte Toyota service center.

Tip #4: Test your heater. Your A/C has been treating you well all summer, but is your heater ready to take on the cold? If not, get it fixed now to ensure you’re ready for the drop in temps. Another aspect of fall car care to consider – make sure your defroster and wiper blades are working well, too.

Tip #5: Check all fluids to make sure they can handle the cold. Do you have the right fluids in your car to handle the cold? Ask your Charlotte auto service tech to check your oil, coolant, and wiper fluid to ensure they can take on the cold weather and give your car the performance tools it needs.

Tip #6: Check supplies. Do you have a fully inflated spare in the trunk, as well as the tools needed to change a tire? What about blankets, jumper cables, emergency snacks and water, and kitty litter (to get out of slick situations)? Make sure your trunk is stocked up and ready for the cold weather coming our way NOW.