Regular auto care means that your car will get better gas mileage and have a longer life span on the road. Since your vehicle undergoes more wear and tear during the summer and winter, fall is an excellent time to perform necessary maintenance tasks. Below, you’ll find a handful of jobs that benefit the engine, tires, and other auto parts.

4 Essential Car Maintenance Tasks for Autumn

1. Change the Oil

As a general rule, you should change your motor oil every three months or 3,000 miles. Replacing the oil in advance of the cold season will ensure that your engine components remain properly lubricated and do not develop rust buildups that cause winter breakdowns. 

2. Check the Tires

Cold weather tends to deflate tires. In fact, for every 10-degree temperature drop, your tires will lose approximately one to two pounds of pressure. Keep the tires inflated slightly above the recommended psi in the owner’s manual to account for cold weather deflation. 

3. Inspect the Windshield Wipers 

In case of snowy and icy conditions, you’ll need optimal visibility on the roads. Inspect the condition of the windshield wipers, and replace them if you notice signs of dry rotting or deterioration. Run the defrosters to ensure that they can clear the windshield, too. 

4. Make Sure the Heater Works

The last thing you’ll want to do is sit in a cold vehicle while you commute to school or work. To prevent this, turn on the heater before you need it to make sure it works properly. Take a look at the hoses, and if you notice signs of cracking or loose connectivity, schedule auto repairs as soon as possible. 

If you need auto parts to get your vehicle winter-ready, make Northwest Auto Parts your top destination. This salvage yard offers an extensive selection of engines, transmissions, and tires to clients throughout Anchorage, AK, and the surrounding areas. Call (800) 770-6531 to ask about buying or selling vehicles, and visit them online to browse their inventory of recycled auto parts.