As the kids head back to school, there is a little sadness at losing the family togetherness time, mixed with a tinge of relief that there will be more hours in the day to catch up on things that might have fallen by the wayside. As we all return to our regular schedules, now is an excellent time to schedule your regular Toyota maintenance in Charleston. There are several musts that you need to consider having done as the colder weather starts to head south!
Change Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are like sunglasses: you never know you need them until you need them. Over the long, hot summer, your wipers may have worn thin and need replacing. Due to extreme heat, the rubber on the wipers can start to degrade and leave you with blades that either won’t do the trick – or worse, make that horrible and annoying noise. Nothing’s more dangerous than being caught in a storm without something to clear your windshield’s view. Be proactive instead of white-knuckle-gripping it to the gas station!
Battery Check
Batteries can take a lot of abuse, but some times of the year are worse than others. Batteries have to struggle harder during the cold weather, so it is best to make sure that yours is prepared for the cooler temperatures. If your battery is more than four years old, it can start to fade and corrode, which means that it is time to replace it – instead of being left stranded and needing a jump!
Tire Pressure is a Must
Tires are what your most precious cargo is running on. Make sure that yours are in good shape. Tires should have a reasonable amount of tread – not just to grip the road, but to be extra careful in rainy and icy conditions. With gas prices on the rise, you can also decrease your fuel consumption by ensuring that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. While checking, don’t forget about the spare. A spare tire is supposed to spare you from walking to the gas station, so make sure that it’s also in good shape.
Check Your Fluids
Not only do you want to make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is full to help with your new blades; you want to ensure that all of your fluids are topped off and ready for the cooler temperatures. Adding a de-icer mix might also help you to get on the road faster when your car gets frosty overnight. It is also an excellent time to consider having your oil changed if you are due!
As we head into fall, now is an excellent time to get to all of the things you let slide over the summer. If it has been a while since your last Toyota maintenance in Charleston, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Maintenance isn’t just about keeping your car running at peak performance; it is also about noticing signs that something might be amiss and addressing it before it becomes expensive and problematic. Contact Japanese Import Pros today to schedule your fall maintenance!
