As the leaves start to change and temperatures drop, it’s a great time to give your car a little extra attention. Fall weather brings unique challenges, from damp leaves to mud and rain, all of which can affect your car’s appearance and performance. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can protect your car from seasonal wear and tear while keeping it looking sharp. In this blog, we’ll share five fall car care tips that will help you prepare your car for the colder months ahead.

1. Give Your Car a Thorough Wash to Remove Summer Residue

Summer driving can leave your car with a buildup of dirt, bug residue, and tree sap, all of which can dull its appearance. Giving your car a deep clean in the fall removes these remnants and provides a fresh start for the new season.

• Focus on the Exterior: Wash your car from top to bottom, making sure to clean all areas, including the wheels and undercarriage. Use a pH-balanced car shampoo to protect the paint while removing grime.
• Wax for Extra Protection: After washing, apply a layer of wax to seal in the shine and create a protective barrier against rain, mud, and leaves. Waxing in the fall helps preserve your paint as winter approaches.

2. Clean and Protect Your Windshield for Clearer Visibility

Fall often brings rainy weather, which can make visibility an issue if your windshield isn’t clean. Keeping your windshield free of streaks and dirt not only improves your view but also reduces the glare from low autumn sunlight.

• Use an Automotive Glass Cleaner: Choose a streak-free cleaner designed for car glass and clean both the inside and outside of your windshield. Don’t forget the side and rear windows!
• Apply a Water Repellent: Applying a water-repellent treatment to your windshield helps rainwater bead up and roll off, improving visibility during fall rain showers.

3. Check and Clean Your Wiper Blades

Your windshield wipers are essential for fall driving. After a long summer, they may be worn or cracked, reducing their effectiveness in rainy weather. Properly functioning wipers keep your view clear and help prevent streaking.

• Replace Old Blades: If your wiper blades are more than six months old, consider replacing them to ensure they’re working at full efficiency. New blades make a big difference in heavy rain.
• Clean the Blades: Use a cloth and a bit of windshield washer fluid to wipe down the wiper blades. This removes dust and dirt that can cause streaks and extends the life of your blades.

4. Protect Your Car’s Interior from Mud and Leaves

Fall means more mud, wet leaves, and other debris being tracked into your car. Taking some precautions now will help keep your interior cleaner and make it easier to maintain throughout the season.

• Use All-Weather Floor Mats: Consider swapping out your regular floor mats for all-weather mats. These are designed to trap mud, water, and dirt, making it easy to keep your car’s interior clean.
• Vacuum Regularly: Make it a habit to vacuum your car’s interior every couple of weeks. This removes dirt and leaves before they have a chance to settle, helping keep your car’s interior fresh.

5. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, which can affect your car’s handling and fuel efficiency. Fall is also a great time to check your tire tread depth, as wet roads require better traction.

• Check Tire Pressure Monthly: Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire, including the spare. Follow the recommended pressure level in your car’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame.
• Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth to handle wet and potentially slippery roads. Consider rotating your tires if you haven’t done so recently to promote even wear.