Now that cooler weather is in full, exponential force, it is that time of year to ensure our vehicles are road safe. Continue below for the ultimate safe driving car care checklist for Fall, including information on what to do if you are ever confronted with a roadside emergency in Melbourne.

Car Care Inspection Checklist for Safe Fall Driving

Before the temperatures can drop any further, give your vehicle some tender love and care by implementing a full inspection and addressing any automotive needs. Use this checklist to navigate your way through your road safety initiative but be sure you know a thing or two about auto work before attempting any mechanic-type service on your vehicle.

Systems Check

It is important to ensure that all of your vehicular systems are functional and operating efficiently. Check your heating system to ensure that your vehicle is receiving adequate heat support. You do not want to be stranded on the side of the road or stuck on a long road trip without any heat, especially when the temperatures really start to plummet. Also ensure that your electrical system is in good shape, such as your lights, power windows, power seats, on-board navigation, and anything else operated by a computer or electricity.

Wipers

With Fall and Winter comes varying degrees of precipitation, which poses several visibility challenges while driving. Snow, ice, rain, mud, and more are all road hazards that are best avoided with safe and alert driving, as well as top-quality windshield wipers. Be sure to check that yours are in good condition. Consider keeping a backup set in your trunk in the case of an emergency.

Interior and Exterior Lights

Check all interior and exterior lights in your vehicle. All lights matter, including interior cabin lights. Inspect your taillights, headlights, and turn signals, replacing any bulbs that are dim or burnt out. If your lights are dimming, you could be experiencing problems with the battery or alternator.

Automotive Fluids

All automotive fluids should be clean and full before you hit the road this Fall. Top off your windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and motor oil. Also check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and battery fluid levels. You likely have to bring your car into an auto shop to have these fluids inspected. Consider keeping an extra bottled of windshield wiper fluid in your trunk for on-the-go refills.

Tires and Brakes

With precipitation like rain and snow ahead of us this year and next, your tires and braking system will be your ultimate points of road safety. Not only should your tires have adequate tread, but they should also be properly inflated. Consider purchasing snow tires for the upcoming winter season. Your car brakes will require an inspection this season too. Pads and rotors should be in good condition, so have them replaced as needed. If you need your brakes bled, take your car into a mechanic.