How To Autumn-ize Your Car
There are countless web articles published every season on How To Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving. But no one tells us how to dodge leaves and school children during Fall. This year, many Americans are experiencing milder weather for November & December. (Hey, that kind of rhymes!) In the North East, it’s basically still Autumn.
Instead of giving readers basic Winter driving tips, we decided to write out a few Fall commuting basics, since many of us are still seeing piles of leaves on the ground, instead of (thankfully) snow.
Photo: automobilesdeluxe.tv
Kids are back to school, and they just do not understand looking both ways before crossing the street. Restless school children run wild after 3 pm, so use caution when passing through suburban areas, as well as school zones.
Give yourself extra time to get around. If you’re caught behind a school bus, it will take more than a few minutes to make it to a destination. Give that bus a lot of extra room, and don’t pass unless its operator gives you an ‘ok’ wave.
Photo: autoblog.com
This extended warm weather is misleading. Precipitation and slippery roads are coming. Random hail and rain can fall from the sky without notice. Wet leaves breed extra dangerous road conditions. Travel with caution when moving over soaked foliage. Piles of wet leaves can also obstruct large potholes or puddles.
Damp leaves can severely damage the electrical systems and undercarriages of automobiles. Avoid parking on top of them this time of year.
Photo: mbcharlotte.com
Regular maintenance is key to the long life of your vehicle. When seasons change, it’s important to check your wiper blades. They should be replaced approx. every 6,000 miles, or twice a year.
Brakes and tires should also be taken care of before or during Fall. Tires should have a good amount of tread left. Mechanic shops will typically inspect brakes free of charge.
Photo: focusedonlight – Flickr
Finally, make sure you heater and defrost is fully operational. Early morning frost has begun. Front blower hoses should be inspected, and have electrical wiring on the rear defogger double-checked.
Sources: goodgarageschemeblog.com / icarumba.com
Dec 22nd, 2011 at 2:33 am
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