With the cooler weather of autumn just days away and winter just around the corner, it’s time to check your vehicle for parts and components that need to be fixed or replaced. Having repairs and replacements done as early as the last days of summer ensures you’re all set for driving in the fall, which will, for example, require your heater and windshield to be fully functional so you can drive comfortably when the temperature drops and safely when it’s raining.

1. Get new wiper blades.

If your wipers blades have been in use for at least 6 months, it’s time to check them to see if they need to be replaced. Generally, they last 6 to 12 months.

2. Top up the washer fluid.

Stocking up on a few gallons of washer fluid, especially if you haven’t done so after the winter, would be a good idea.

3. Check your heater/defroster.

Once the temperature starts dropping, check to ensure that your car is defrosting properly, and to determine the amount of heat you’re getting. If you find yourself waiting a bit too long, it’s time to have your heater and defroster systems repaired.

4. Test your brakes.

Driving in rainy weather means water, especially standing water, on the road. This can prevent your car from braking safely, so check your stopping power and ensure any problems with your brakes are fixed.

5. Have your tires checked. 

Have your mechanic check your tires for the following:

Signs of wear. Cuts, scrapes, punctures, cracks, bulges, or bumps in the treads and sidewalls can cause problems when you least expect them.

Tire pressure. Your tires should be properly inflated—not overinflated and not underinflated.

Tread depth. Having the right tread depth helps ensure that your tires have sufficient traction to grip the road.

The good news: Most dealerships will check your tires and brakes without any extra charge.

6. Check all your lights.

Make sure all your lights are working: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers. Any broken bulbs can easily be replaced at your dealership.

Then make sure all your lights are clean to prevent problems regarding visibility. Also, for better visibility, consider replacing sealed-beam headlamps with halogen lamps. Great visibility will help keep you safe when you have to drive in heavy rains or in a storm.

7. Check your air filter.

This can easily be a DIY task: Place your air filter in front of a 60-watt bulb. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s got to go. If you’d rather not DIY, just have a certified pro do it for you.

8. Get your battery checked.

Have a certified technician check your battery, and replace it if necessary. Battery checks are designed not just to ensure that your battery will not die on you anytime soon, but also to check for corrosion, loose cable connections, sulfation (especially if left unused for a long period in a low- or no-charge state), damage to the battery case, short-circuited cells, etc.

9. Check your coolant level / refill your cooling system.

Check to make sure your coolant level in the overflow tank is not low. Just be sure to do this when your engine is cold. Raise your coolant level by adding equal parts of water and coolant. If you’re driving an older car, it’s a good idea to refill the cooling system.

10. Change your oil.

If your oil is looking dirty, change it. Make sure you have the proper amount of engine oil to keep your engine from breaking down.

Make sure your vehicle is good and ready to be on the road once the cooler weather and the autumn rains arrive. If you’re still within warranty, be sure to stick to your maintenance check schedule, in addition to taking the initiative to take your car to your certified mechanic of choice if you suspect something is wrong with any of the parts.

If your warranty is expiring soon, start shopping for a vehicle service contract, which will kick in once your manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

Check out EverCare Protection’s vehicle service contract plans and other products.