8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

4 parts to inspect on your vehicle this fall

by | Sep 23, 2013 | Auto Repair, Car Battery, Car Care Tips, General Car Maintenance, Tire Repair

Now is a good time to get your vehicle ready for the change in seasons. It is important to go to regularly scheduled maintenances for your vehicle. This can help ensure that it is working as well as possible. It also means it is working efficiently each and every time you drive. Keeping your vehicle well maintained can help prevent larger and more expensive issues in the future. It can also help prevent damage and unnecessary wear to parts of the vehicle. Between visits, make sure you are aware of any noises or issues your vehicle may be starting to show signs of. If you notice these, bring your vehicle in so we can inspect and fix it for you.

Inspect the Windshield Wipers, and replace if necessary

The windshield wiper blades should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they can clean the windshield properly and effectively. It is also recommended that the wipers be replaced each fall. The wipers generally take more abuse in the fall and winter. This is because there is more road grime that may be splashed up on your windshield. It is also important to check and make sure the windshield washer fluid is topped off. When you will need to use it, the washer fluid will be full and able to help clean off the windshield.

While checking the tires, do not forget about the spare tire

Fall is a good time to inspect the spare tire for your vehicle. While you may inspect the other tires regularly, the spare tire may be overlooked. Make sure that the spare tire is properly inflated. The correct amount can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual. The spare tire should also be free of any cuts, cracks, or bulges on the surface or sidewalls. By inspecting the spare tire over, you can help assure it will be ready for use, if and when you need it. Spare tires on trucks and SUV’s may be suspended underneath the vehicle on a cable. The cable should also be inspected to make sure it can work freely incase you need to access the spare tire. You can also bring your vehicle in so we can inspect the spare tire and the components to make sure they are working properly.

Top off all the fluids in your vehicle

In the fall, the windshield washer fluid should be replaced with a solvent that is suited for use in cold weather. The other fluids in your vehicle should be inspected to make sure they are at the correct level according to the reservoirs. If you notice a fluid that is down to almost empty, or one that you have to refill frequently, it could be leaking somewhere. Make sure to bring your vehicle in so we can inspect and find the leak in the vehicle.

Make sure the Battery is holding the charge properly

Many electrical issues that the vehicle may have could be coming from a poorly charged battery. Any ignition issues may be caused from a loose or corroded battery connection. When you inspect the battery, make sure it is clean from any corrosion or debris that may have stuck among the terminals. Make sure the posts are completely cleaned and that everything is connected securely.