Fall is the perfect time to give your car a little extra attention before winter arrives. From your wipers and tires to your fluids, paint and floor mats, a few simple checks now can help keep your vehicle ready for colder weather and winter driving.
Use this fall car care checklist to get started:
1. Check Your Windshield Wipers
If your wiper blades are streaking, skipping or leaving water behind, it’s time to replace them. Good visibility becomes even more important during fall rain, snow and winter road spray.
Car manufacturers commonly recommend replacing wiper blades about twice a year, depending on use and condition.
Fall is a good time to replace your wipers before winter weather arrives!
2. Protect Your Vehicle’s Paint With a Wax
Your car’s exterior takes a beating during the winter. Road salt, moisture, dirt and other contaminants can build up on the paint and contribute to wear over time.
A professional hand wax in the fall adds a protective layer over your vehicle’s paint, helping protect the factory finish and making winter grime easier to remove. It’s a simple step that can help keep your car looking its best through the winter months.
3. Rust Proof Your Vehicle Now for Best Results
Road salt and moisture are two of the biggest concerns for your vehicle’s metal components during an Ontario winter.
Fall is an ideal time to rust proof your vehicle, before regular winter driving begins. A rust-proofing treatment can help protect vulnerable metal surfaces, seams and hard-to-reach areas from exposure to salt and moisture.
Don’t wait until you see rust to start thinking about rust protection.
4. Check Your Fluids
Your vehicle relies on several fluids to lubricate, cool and keep important systems working properly.
Before winter, check the fluids under the hood, including:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
If you’re not sure what needs to be checked or topped up, a professional can inspect your vehicle and make sure it’s ready for the colder months.
5. Check Your Tires and Get Ready for Winter
Inspect your tires for tread wear, damage and proper inflation, and plan your winter tire change. Winter tires are designed for driving in cold temperatures, snow and ice, helping improve traction, handling and braking while reduce the risk of accidents.
If you install winter tires, check with your insurance company about available winter tire discounts. Ontario insurers are required to offer a winter tire discount, although the amount varies by insurer and policy.
And don’t forget your tire pressure. Tire pressure can drop by roughly 1–2 PSI for every 10°C drop in temperature, so check your pressure regularly as temperatures fall.
6. Upgrade Your Floor Mats
Winter can make it harder to keep the inside of your car clean, with salt, slush, mud, water and dirt being tracked in every time you get behind the wheel. Switching to winter or rubber floor mats before the season starts can make a big difference in keeping your interior looking clean.
Choose mats with raised edges and an easy-to-clean surface to help contain spills, wet footwear and winter debris. They can be quickly removed and rinsed or wiped down, making it easier to stay on top of the mess throughout the season and keep your carpets looking fresh.
7. Keep Your Car Washed
Before choosing a wash, take a look at what the package actually includes. During the fall and winter months, exterior paint protection should be a priority. Look for washes that offer added protection, such as ceramic protection, wax or sealants, which can help keep your vehicle cleaner for longer and make it harder for dirt and other contaminants to cling to the paint.
One option to try at Valet Car Wash is the Ultimate Car Wash, which includes Graphene Protection. The treatment creates a protective coating designed to help repel water and environmental contaminants while giving your paint a deep, lustrous shine. It also comes with a 72-hour clean car guarantee at participating locations.
Your Fall Car Care Checklist
Before winter arrives, make sure you’ve:
- Replaced worn or streaking wipers
- Waxed and protected your exterior paint
- Rust proofed your vehicle
- Checked your fluids
- Inspected your tires and checked tire pressure
- Planned your winter tire change
- Installed winter or rubber floor mats
- Washed and cleaned your vehicle regularly
A little preparation in the fall can go a long way toward keeping your car clean, protected and ready for winter!