Top 5 Fall Car Maintenance Tips to Keep You Safe on NEO Roads

October 18, 2024

Top 5 Fall Car Maintenance Tips to Keep You Safe on NEO Roads

As the fall season sets in, driving conditions in Northeast Ohio (NEO) start to change. From cooler temperatures to unpredictable weather, your vehicle requires a little extra attention to keep running smoothly and safely.

At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we’ve put together the top five fall car maintenance tips to prepare your car for the colder months and ensure your safety on NEO roads.

1. Check Your Tires for Tread and Pressure

Fall weather in NEO brings wet leaves, morning frost, and occasional early snow. Your tires are your first line of defense against these slippery conditions, making it crucial to ensure they have the right tread depth and proper pressure.

Why It Matters:

Worn-out tires lose their grip on the road, which is especially dangerous on wet or frosty pavement. Additionally, colder temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, which affects your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency.

Maintenance Tip:

  • Check your tire tread using the penny test: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace your tires.
  • Check your tire pressure regularly, as fluctuating temperatures can cause it to drop. Most vehicles have a recommended tire pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb. If you need assistance, stop by any Rad Air location for a free tire check.

new tires on display

2. Inspect and Replace Worn Brakes

Fall brings shorter days, school traffic, and more frequent stops due to wet and slippery roads. It’s essential to ensure your brakes are in top shape to handle the demands of the season.

Why It Matters:

Good brakes are crucial for safe stopping, especially when roads are wet or covered in fallen leaves. If your brakes are worn, they won’t perform effectively, increasing the risk of accidents.

Maintenance Tip:

3. Test and Top Off Fluids

As the weather cools down, your vehicle’s fluids become even more critical to its performance. Fall is the perfect time to check and top off your vehicle’s fluids, including oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.

Why It Matters:


Low or dirty fluids can cause significant engine wear, poor performance, and even breakdowns. Coolant (antifreeze) is essential for maintaining the proper engine temperature as the temperatures drop.

Maintenance Tip:

  • Check your oil level and change it if needed. Cold weather makes your engine work harder, and fresh oil helps it run efficiently.
  • Check your coolant level to ensure your engine doesn’t overheat or freeze. Top it off with the appropriate antifreeze mixture.
  • Make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled with a winter formula to prevent freezing and keep your windshield clear during rain and frost.

4. Replace Wiper Blades and Check the Defroster

windshield

Fall often brings rainy weather and frosty mornings in NEO. To ensure visibility, it’s important to have functioning windshield wipers and a defroster that works properly.

Why It Matters:

Worn-out wiper blades can leave streaks and reduce your visibility, making it harder to see during heavy rain or fog. A working defroster is essential for clearing your windshield on cold mornings.

Maintenance Tip:

  • Inspect your wiper blades for cracks, tears, or stiffness. If they aren’t clearing the windshield efficiently, it’s time to replace them.
  • Test your defroster to make sure it’s blowing warm air and clearing your windows properly. If it’s not working, visit Rad Air for a thorough inspection.

5. Get Your Battery Tested

Cold weather is hard on car batteries, and a weak battery can leave you stranded as the temperatures drop. Fall is the perfect time to have your battery tested to ensure it can handle the demands of winter.

Why It Matters:


Batteries lose power in cold weather, making it more difficult to start your car. If your battery is weak, it may fail completely once the temperature dips below freezing.

Maintenance Tip:

Stay Safe This Fall with Rad Air Complete Car Care

At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we’re here to help you prepare your car for the fall season and beyond. Whether you need new tires, a brake inspection, or a battery check, our experienced technicians are ready to provide the high-quality care your vehicle deserves.

With locations across Northeast Ohio, including Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, and Wickliffe, you can trust Rad Air to keep your car running smoothly all season long.

Schedule an appointment today to make sure your car is ready for the road this fall!