September 7, 2021
Get Your Car Ready for Winter!
Photo by Nuno Campos under Pexels License
The fall season is the best time to do your car maintenance tasks before temperatures start to drop.
Let’s face it, vehicles tend to perform poorly than usual due to extreme cold. That’s why it’s important to make time to prepare your car just before winter kicks in.
With that in mind, here are eight car maintenance tasks to do in the fall:
- Change your oil.
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and it’s your engine that keeps your vehicle running. You’ll need to change your oil especially if you’re at your recommended oil change schedule (refer to your owner’s manual). The same goes for dirty oil and low levels of oil. Not having the right amount of oil can cause your engine to break down, leading to major problems that can cost you a big chunk of money.
- Replace your wiper blades.
As much as we’d like our blades to last longer, they’ll eventually crack from overexposure to sunlight, or accumulate dust or sand that can harm the windshield. With winter on its way, you’ll want to make sure that your wiper blades are still flexible and can clean your windshield properly. If you notice that they’re a bit worn, it’s time to get them replaced.
A better idea is to switch to winter wiper blades, considering that ordinary blades get packed with snow. Winter blades are wrapped in a rubber boot that prevents snow and ice from sticking, making for safer driving and better visibility.
- Check your tires.
Checking and adhering to the recommended tire pressure is a vital part of maintenance. Not only will it save you money on fuel and tire changes, but it will also provide safety and a better riding experience.
If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, you can check your tire pressure at the gas station or ask your local auto center to do it for you.
Also, give your tires a thorough visual inspection and see if there are any punctures or damage so you can replace them at the soonest possible time. They should have a good amount of tread all around, with no uneven patterns. Low-depth or worn patterns mean it’s time for a tire rotation or a new set of tires.
- Test your defroster or heater.
There’s no better time than fall to test your heater. Before you can even experience some frost-filled mornings, check to see how well your vehicle defrosts itself as well as how much heat you’re getting. If it’s taking a bit longer than normal, you should get them fixed.
- Change or top off your fluids.
There are six important fluids you should pay attention to. They’re the coolant, motor oil, power-steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid. Check their levels and top them off if needed. Be sure that you choose a solvent that’s suitable for the winter season.
- Get your battery checked.
Another crucial step to ensure that your car makes it out alive for spring is by getting a professional to examine your battery and replace it, if necessary.
A dying battery should not be your only concern. Many batteries become corroded, while others may have loose cable connections. You wouldn’t know the condition of your battery, and whether it needs replacement immediately unless you have it checked by a technician.
- Check all the lights.
From your headlights and brake lights to your taillights, parking lights, and emergency flashers, be sure that they’re all in great condition. Change any broken bulbs and clean those that are still working well to improve visibility. With winter fast approaching, you’ll rely on your headlights to keep you safe more than ever.
- Check under your hood.
Look for any signs of wear, leaks, cracks, or anything loose. If your hoses are brittle or spongy, or your belts are beginning to fray or produce strange noises, you should get them repaired or replaced.
Has Your Car Become More of a Liability?
If your car no longer serves you well and has become more of a liability with its constant need for costly repairs and maintenance, then perhaps it’s time to get your hands off it. You can still make good use of it though when you donate it to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll use it to provide for the needs of the struggling veterans and their families in your community.
We’ll put it up for auction, with the proceeds going to some of our nation’s leading military and veteran nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding that we give them to provide their veteran beneficiaries with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
You will also reap outstanding rewards from your charitable contribution. You’ll get to benefit from our free professional towing service. You’ll also enjoy our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.
On top of that, you’ll have the privilege of receiving the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Above all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure and satisfaction of doing something extraordinary that can help uplift the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We take in nearly all vehicle types, including those that are no longer in good condition. You can donate wherever you are in the country since we operate in all 50 states
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program.
Give Your Old Clunker a New and Worthy Purpose Today!
Photo by Bianca under Pexels License
Your battered commuter car deserves a fitting retirement for all the services it has provided you. Donating it to us means giving it a new and worthy purpose as it will help in transforming the lives of the hurting veterans in your community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our donation form here now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023