September brings busier roads, school traffic, and the beginning of cooler weather throughout Alexandria. It’s also a great month to catch up on vehicle maintenance that may have been put off during the summer.
At Ben Nielsen’s Alexandria Auto Care West at 4405 Duke Street, we recommend checking six key areas before fall gets underway.
- Check Your Battery
Hot summer temperatures can be surprisingly hard on a car battery. By the time fall arrives, a battery that was already getting weak may start showing signs of trouble.
If your car is slow to start, your lights seem dim, or your battery is several years old, having it tested now can help prevent an unexpected no-start later.
- Inspect Your Tires
Fall means changing temperatures, wet roads, and eventually colder driving conditions. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
As outside temperatures drop, tire pressure can drop too. Low tire pressure can affect handling, fuel economy, and tire wear.
- Have Your Brakes Checked
Back-to-school traffic and busier morning commutes mean more stop-and-go driving. If your brakes squeak, grind, vibrate, or simply don’t feel the way they normally do, don’t wait to have them inspected.
Your braking system is one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle.
- Check Fluids
Your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play an important role in keeping your vehicle running properly.
Low or contaminated fluids can lead to unnecessary wear and potentially expensive repairs.
- Replace Worn Wiper Blades
September can bring plenty of rain, and worn-out wiper blades can make it difficult to see clearly during a storm. If your blades streak, skip, or leave portions of the windshield untouched, replacing them is a simple way to improve visibility.
- Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
If a warning light has been sitting on your dashboard all summer, now is the time to find out what is causing it.
Some problems may be minor, but others can become significantly more expensive when ignored.
Whether you’re commuting along Duke Street, driving across Alexandria, or heading farther into Northern Virginia, proper maintenance can help keep your vehicle dependable. Visit Ben Nielsen’s Alexandria Auto Care West for your fall vehicle check.
