September is a transition month in Northern Virginia. Summer heat starts fading, school traffic returns, and cooler mornings aren’t far behind.
For drivers in Falls Church and the surrounding area, now is a good time to check the parts of your vehicle that may have taken a beating over the summer.
Ben Nielsen’s Skyline Automotive, located at 5709 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, can help get your vehicle ready for fall.
- Check Your Battery
Hot summer temperatures can be surprisingly hard on a car battery. By the time fall arrives, a battery that was already getting weak may start showing signs of trouble.
If your car is slow to start, your lights seem dim, or your battery is several years old, having it tested now can help prevent an unexpected no-start later.
- Inspect Your Tires
Fall means changing temperatures, wet roads, and eventually colder driving conditions. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
As outside temperatures drop, tire pressure can drop too. Low tire pressure can affect handling, fuel economy, and tire wear.
- Have Your Brakes Checked
Back-to-school traffic and busier morning commutes mean more stop-and-go driving. If your brakes squeak, grind, vibrate, or simply don’t feel the way they normally do, don’t wait to have them inspected.
Your braking system is one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle.
- Check Fluids
Your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play an important role in keeping your vehicle running properly.
Low or contaminated fluids can lead to unnecessary wear and potentially expensive repairs.
- Replace Worn Wiper Blades
September can bring plenty of rain, and worn-out wiper blades can make it difficult to see clearly during a storm. If your blades streak, skip, or leave portions of the windshield untouched, replacing them is a simple way to improve visibility.
- Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
If a warning light has been sitting on your dashboard all summer, now is the time to find out what is causing it.
Some problems may be minor, but others can become significantly more expensive when ignored.
Whether you’re commuting along Leesburg Pike, heading toward Arlington or DC, or staying close to Falls Church, a little preventative maintenance can make your fall driving much easier. Schedule your next service with Ben Nielsen’s Skyline Automotive.