Seven Things to Check This Fall
Fall in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is hard to beat. The colorful foliage, cool mornings, and scenic drives make this one of the best times of year to be on the road. But those cooler temperatures are also a reminder that winter is not far behind.Preparing your vehicle now can help you avoid problems when the first snow and freezing temperatures arrive. Here are seven important items every Vermont and New Hampshire driver should check this fall.
1. Inspect Your Tires
Your tires are your vehicle’s connection to the road, and dependable traction becomes especially important in rain, slush, snow, and ice. Check your tires for adequate tread depth, proper inflation, cracking, and uneven wear.If you use dedicated winter tires, now is a good time to schedule your seasonal tire change. Waiting until the first snowfall can make it more difficult to find a convenient appointment.
Proper tread depth can make a major difference when Northeast Kingdom roads become wet, snowy, or icy.
2. Test Your Battery
Cold weather places additional strain on a vehicle’s battery. A battery that starts your vehicle normally during warmer weather may struggle when temperatures drop below freezing.A battery test can help identify a weak battery before it leaves you stranded on a cold morning. It is also a good idea to inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure the connections are secure.
A quick battery test can help prevent an unexpected no-start when cold weather arrives.
3. Check Your Heating and Defrosting Systems
Your heating system keeps the cabin comfortable, but your windshield defroster is also an important safety feature. Make sure warm air flows properly through the vents and that the front and rear defrosters clear the glass effectively.If the vehicle takes too long to warm up, produces little heat, or leaves the windows fogged, it should be inspected before winter.
4. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Good visibility is essential during fall rain and winter storms. Wiper blades that streak, chatter, skip, or leave portions of the windshield untouched should be replaced.Keep the windshield-washer reservoir filled with a winter-rated fluid designed for freezing temperatures. Ordinary water or warm-weather washer fluid can freeze when you need it most.
5. Check Your Fluids
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield-washer fluid all play important roles in keeping your vehicle operating properly. Coolant deserves particular attention because it helps protect the engine in both extremely hot and cold conditions.If you are approaching your next scheduled maintenance interval, completing it during the fall can give you added confidence heading into winter.
6. Inspect Your Brakes and Lights
Winter driving requires dependable stopping power. Squeaking, grinding, vibration, pulling, or a soft brake pedal should never be ignored. A brake inspection can identify worn components before winter road conditions make the problem more serious.Shorter days also mean you will rely more heavily on your headlights. Check the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, and replace any burned-out or dim bulbs.
7. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit
Even a well-maintained vehicle can encounter unexpected weather or road closures. Consider keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle with a blanket, gloves, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, phone charger, small shovel, and basic first-aid supplies.If you regularly travel through rural areas of the Northeast Kingdom, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Schedule Your Fall Vehicle Checkup at St. Johnsbury CDJR
The service team at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is ready to help you prepare for the season ahead. Whether you need tires, a battery test, an oil change, brake service, new wiper blades, or a complete vehicle inspection, our team can help keep your vehicle ready for whatever New England weather brings.Schedule your service appointment today at St. Johnsbury CDJR—Home of the BIG Deal!
