With leaves falling and the weather changing, it’s a great time to schedule some fall maintenance for your vehicle. Read these tips by AMSOIL: Marlo Enterprises in Newark  for everything you need to know.

One of the best ways to keep your vehicle performing at its best is to give it regular maintenance. For information on the best products for your car, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, call Marlo Enterprises at (315) 331-4642 or place an order at AMSOIL’s online store anytime!

Tires and Brakes

A tire and brake inspection are one of the most important checks you should schedule during your fall maintenance routine. This can keep you and others safe on the road as these become slippery and wet during this season.

Maintaining Your Tires

Maintaining your tires is essential, especially during fall, as they provide traction on the road to keep you safe. Depending on how much maintenance and upkeep you give your tires, they can last you in good shape from three to five years. Here are two ways to ensure you get to the five-year mark without issues:

• Keep an eye out for tread wear. Wear is standard and a byproduct of driving, but for wear to be evenly distributed, you’ll need to take your car in for a tire rotation every six months.
• Maintaining your tires’ air pressure is also essential when trying to extend their life. If you’re unsure what the correct air pressure for your tires is, check the inside of your driver’s door or your owner’s manual.

Is Your Braking System in Good Shape?

Checking your brakes from time to time is also essential to keeping them in good condition. Your car’s braking system is vital to keeping you and others safe on the road. Ensure the system is in good condition by checking these two main components:

• Brake fluid: Topping off your brake fluid is essential to your brake system working well. If it’s been a while since you last did a brake fluid change (24 months or 24 miles), do so as soon as possible, as this will help the functioning of your brake system.
• Brake pads: These should be at least 1/4 inch thick. If they’re not, it’s time to change them for new ones.

Car Fluid Check

Next up to do during your fall maintenance is a general check of your vehicle’s fluids. These fluids are essential to your engine’s functioning and include engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid (mentioned above), and windshield wiper fluid. These fluids must be in good condition and clean for your engine to work at its best. If it’s been a while since you last visited your trusted mechanic, this is a great time to do so. Besides having clean fluids, it’s important that these stay at the levels your car’s manufacturer suggested. Running low on fluids can hinder the performance of your vehicle and cause other essential problems in the long run. It’s also a good idea to refer back o your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re using recommended products.

The oil experts at Marlo Enterprises are ready to help you choose the best engine products. Call them at (315) 331-4642 for advice, or visit AMSOIL’s online store to place an order.

Review Your Battery’s Health

Having a healthy car battery is essential, especially this time of year when days are shorter and nights are darker. Stay ahead of any issues it might present by keeping an eye out for the following signs:

• Dim interior lights or headlights.
• Clicking sounds when you turn your car key.
• Stepping on the gas to start your engine.

If you start noticing any of these signs, check your battery to see if the terminals are loose, if they have any corrosion, or if the battery is bulging. Remember that, with the proper maintenance, your car’s battery is meant to run for three to four years. Another reason for your battery losing charge could be that you’re running short errands or commutes which aren’t allowing your battery to charge correctly. If this happens, take a few extra long drives a few times a week to help it recharge.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Fall is a great time to start preparing your vehicle for winter. As temperatures drop, your car should be safe and prepared. You can start with things like:

• Making sure your windshield wipers are in good shape.
• Swapping out your floor mats for all-weather ones to protect your vehicle’s interiors from mud and the general wetness that comes with winter.
• Check that your heater and defrosters work correctly.
• Get your winter tires ready for when temperatures drop below 45 degrees.

With fall maintenance, you can save hundreds of dollars on unexpected repairs. Call Marlo Enterprises at (315) 331-4642 for advice on your car’s care and the products best suited for it. Don’t forget to place your order in AMSOIL’s online store!