What Did Summer Do to Your Vehicle?
7 Things to Check Before Winter
Summer can take a toll on your vehicle in ways that aren't always obvious. Long road trips, hot temperatures, potholes, stop-and-go traffic, and heavy A/C use can all contribute to wear. Fall is the perfect time to identify small problems before colder temperatures and winter driving conditions make them worse.
1. Check Your Tires & Alignment
Summer driving, potholes, and curbs can contribute to uneven tire wear or alignment problems. Check your tire pressure and inspect the tread for unusual or uneven wear. An alignment inspection can also identify issues that may affect handling or cause premature tire wear.
Why it matters: Proper tire pressure, tread, and alignment help provide better traction, handling, and braking when roads become wet, icy, or snow-covered.
2. Test Your Battery
High summer temperatures can accelerate battery deterioration. A battery that starts your vehicle reliably in September may struggle when temperatures drop. Having your battery tested can help determine whether it has enough strength to handle the demands of another Wisconsin winter.
Why it matters: Cold temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance, increasing the chance of being left with a vehicle that won't start.
3. Have Your Brakes Inspected
Summer road trips and stop-and-go driving can contribute to brake wear. Have your brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and other components inspected, especially if you've noticed squealing, grinding, vibration, pulling, or a change in pedal feel.
Why it matters: Winter roads can make stopping more difficult. A properly maintained braking system is essential when driving on wet, snowy, or icy roads.
4. Check the Cooling System
Your cooling system works hard during hot summer driving. Check the coolant level and condition, and look for leaks or signs of wear around hoses, belts, and connections. Remember, coolant doesn't just protect your engine from overheating—it also provides protection against freezing temperatures.
Why it matters: Proper coolant protection and a healthy cooling system help protect your engine from both summer overheating and winter freezing.
5. Check Your Oil & Other Fluids
Fall is a good time to check your engine oil and other essential fluids, including transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If you're approaching your scheduled oil change, taking care of it now can help ensure your vehicle is ready for the months ahead.
Why it matters: Proper fluid levels and condition help your vehicle's systems operate correctly and reduce unnecessary wear.
6. Inspect Your Wipers & Lights
Shorter days and changing weather make visibility especially important in the fall and winter. Check your windshield wipers for cracking, splitting, or streaking, and make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other exterior lights are working properly.
Why it matters: Good visibility helps you see hazards sooner and makes it easier for other drivers to see you in rain, fog, snow, and darkness.
7. Check Hoses & Belts
Heat and age can cause engine belts and hoses to become cracked, brittle, stretched, or worn. Have them inspected for signs of deterioration, leaks, fraying, or damage. Catching a worn belt or hose early can help prevent an inconvenient breakdown.
Why it matters: A failed belt or hose can quickly leave you stranded and, depending on the component, may result in serious engine damage.
The Best Time to Find a Problem Is Before You Need It
Fall maintenance isn't about fixing things that aren't broken. It's about identifying wear and potential problems before Wisconsin's most demanding driving conditions arrive. A vehicle inspection now can give you time to address small issues on your schedule instead of dealing with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of winter.
Before the first snowflake falls, let Auto Select help make sure your vehicle is ready for the season ahead.
Auto Select — You're good to go!