October is Fall Car Care Month, making it the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for cooler weather, shorter days, and upcoming holiday travel. At America’s Car-Mart, we want our customers to enjoy peace of mind on the road.
Here are seven essential fall car care tips for used cars to help you stay safe, protect your investment, and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Check and Change Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. This fall:
- Change your oil and filter if you’re due. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly.
- Inspect coolant/antifreeze levels to make sure your car won’t freeze up when temperatures drop.
- Top off windshield washer fluid with a winter-safe blend.
With a Car-Mart optional service contract, oil changes are included depending on the tier of service, helping you stay on top of this critical maintenance step.
[Learn more about changing your oil in our blog, 8 Things to Know about Your Vehicle Oil Changes].
Inspect Tires and Tread Depth
Cold weather can cause tire pressure to decrease, resulting in uneven tire wear and reduced vehicle safety.
- Use a gauge to check each tire (don’t forget the spare).
- Make sure tread depth is at least 4/32″ for safe driving in wet or icy conditions.
- Rotate tires if needed to extend life and maintain traction.
[Check out our helpful blog about the importance of tire rotation and care, As the Wheels Turn].
Test the Battery
A weak battery may start fine in warm weather but fail when the temperature drops.
- Look for corrosion on the terminals.
- Listen for slow engine starts.
- If your battery is over three years old, have it tested or replaced before winter.
With a Car-Mart optional service contract, you’ll have roadside assistance if your battery lets you down.
[Learn more about extending the life of your battery in our helpful blog, How to Keep Your Car Battery Running Longer].
Replace Wiper Blades and Check Lights
Visibility is key when the days are shorter and rain (or even early frost) hits.
- Swap out old wipers that streak or skip.
- Test all exterior lights, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to stay safe on the road.
[Learn more about wiper blades in our helpful blog, The Importance of Wiper Blades].
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Cooler temperatures can cause worn rubber parts to crack or snap.
- Check serpentine belts for fraying.
- Inspect hoses for leaks, swelling, or brittleness.
- Watch for warning signs like squealing noises under the hood.
Pack a Fall Emergency Kit
Prepare for the unexpected with:
- Jumper cables
- Blanket, flashlight, and bottled water
- Small first-aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks
These simple items can provide peace of mind if you’re ever stranded.
[Learn more about what else to include in your emergency car care kit in our blog, What’s The One Item Every Vehicle Should Have].
Clean and Protect Your Vehicle
Cleaning your car is maintenance.
- Wash off summer dust and grime.
- Apply wax to protect paint from fall rain and road debris.
- Swap in all-weather floor mats to handle mud and wet conditions.
[Learn how to keep your vehicle looking good in our blog, A Clean Car = Happy You].
Why Fall Car Care Matters for Used Cars
Used vehicles often have more miles, meaning preventative care is even more critical. By following this fall car maintenance checklist, you’ll:
- Avoid costly repairs
- Improve reliability in colder months
- Protect your investment
- Drive with confidence
Car-Mart’s Peace of Mind Promise
At America’s Car-Mart, we want every customer to feel secure about their purchase. That’s why we offer three tiers of optional service contracts that can include:
- Roadside assistance
- Oil changes
- Coverage for major repairs
It’s one more way we help customers keep moving forward, long after the sale.
This Fall Car Care Month, take a moment to inspect your vehicle. A little effort now can save time, money, and stress later — and give you peace of mind to enjoy the season.
Fuel Up on More Tips
Check out our other maintenance blogs:
- Is It Time for a Brake Check
- Changing the Cabin Air Filters in your Vehicle
- Check your Four Filters – Air, Cabin, Fuel, Oil
- Car-Mart’s 10 basic Maintenance tips
Time to Trade Up?
Has your vehicle seen better days? If it’s time for an upgrade, we’re here to help you find a quality used vehicle that fits your budget. Get pre-qualified with no hit to your credit.
*Get pre-qualified, which is a soft credit inquiry only, with no impact to your credit score. A hard credit inquiry that may affect your credit score will be required for the purchase of a vehicle. Pre-qualification does not guarantee loan approval or specific terms.
