Top 5 Fall Auto Maintenance Tips

Generally speaking, a car battery will last 3-5 years, depending on usage and region. Warmer climates are harder on car batteries than colder climates. It is a good practice to clean the terminals when necessary and have your car battery checked by a technician once a year. If your car battery is over 6 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Be sure to follow your owner’s manual for the battery type and size best suited to your vehicle and specific needs.

Windshield wipers can deteriorate quickly and usually need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Routinely cleaning the rubber blade with a damp paper towel will remove road grime, bugs, bird droppings, and other debris which may help prolong the life of your wipers. If you notice any streaking, skidding, chattering, or squealing when you use the wipers, then you should replace them with a  wiper style compatible with your vehicle. Your owner’s manual should have specific details, or you can consult your service technician for recommendations.

Let’s face it, tires are expensive and we don’t want to replace them unless absolutely necessary. Most experts agree that tires have a life span of about 6 years from the manufacture date (not the installation date), but there’s a lot we can do in those 6 years. Routine tire maintenance definitely helps prolong the life of your tires. You don’t have to be a skilled mechanic to inspect your tires regularly. All you really need is a penny and a pressure gauge.

One of the most important routine maintenance services you can do, is to check that your tire’s air pressure is correct. As the temperature drops, so will the air pressure in your tires. Use a quality digital tire pressure gauge, instead of the cheap pencil-style gauge, to get the most accurate readings. Consult your owner’s manual or the sticker usually found inside your door jam, for the proper air pressure. The number found on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum air pressure the tire is rated for, so DO NOT fill your tires to that number.

Tires wear down with use, so the tread will get thinner as you rack up the miles. A good way to tell if it is time for new tires, is to see how much tread is left. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest is the Penny Test . If you want to get more specific results, you can pick up a Tire Tread Gauge. Be sure to check the tread depth in several places along the tire, since tires can wear unevenly. If you have any questions, your service technician can help you determine if it’s time to replace your tires.

The various fluids that your vehicle depends on to run efficiently and safely should be checked often. Fall is a great time to get your engine oil changed if you made a long road trip this summer, or even if your car has been in the garage for most of the year. Many of your vehicle’s fluids degrade with use AND time – so even if you have not used your car as much as usual, the fluids will still need to be changed. Your owner’s manual will have the specific mileage/time milestones for each of the following fluids to keep your car running at its best:

The early morning chill can make getting into your car first thing in the morning a real pain if your heater doesn’t work. After the long, hot summer months, you should definitely try out your heater and defroster to make sure your heating system is working properly. If you have a bad smell coming from the vents, or hear an unfamiliar noise, you should schedule a service to diagnose and repair any issues with your heating system before the colder weather sets in.

Domestic Auto Service in Pomona, CA

Taylor Co Domestic Auto Service   opened in 1989 and is still doing business in the same location at the Foothill Auto Center. We specialize in Domestic Auto Repair, Brake Service, Oil Service, and Factory Scheduled Maintenance. We service all Domestic makes and models, including Buick, Cadillac, Camaro, Chevy, Corvette, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep, & Lincoln.

We are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm