Car Care Month: It’s Time To Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

October is National Fall Car Care Month (try saying that three times fast) and it’s the perfect time to get your vehicle’s preventive maintenance routine in gear. Perhaps you didn’t use your vehicle as often this summer, or maybe you’ve been unintentionally putting off your car care. Here are five areas to focus on how to prepare for later.

77% of repair shops estimate customers who forgot or ignore recommended maintenance could save an average of $100 per visit if they properly maintained their vehicles.

Wiper Blades

A streaky windshield is the last thing you want to deal with when cold precipitation starts falling. Even if you’ve recently replaced your wiper blades, now is the best time to inspect them to make sure they’re winter-ready. Your wiper blades should never cause streaking, squeaking, or chattering. Don’t forget to check your windshield washer fluid levels and the condition of your rear wiper(s)! Jiffy Lube technician checking wiper blades

Tires

Tire pressure drops approximately one pound per square inch for every 10 degree drop in temperature. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is most commonly listed on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. It can also be found in the owner’s manual. tire-statistic Tire pressure and tread depth can affect how your vehicle handles, so before the roads turn slick and wet, check for these warning signs as an indicator that your tires may need rotated or possibly replaced.

Battery

According to AAA, 65% of American drivers say they have never had their car battery tested prior to their vehicle failing to start. We know the last thing you want to deal with is a dead battery on a cold morning. Visually inspect your battery and make sure the connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. If your battery has reached three years of age, you should have it tested at your local Jiffy Lube of Indiana store. 65% of people have never had their car battery tested Our Battery Diagnostic Service includes testing the:
  • Cold-cranking amps of the battery
  • Electrical draw of the starter
  • The electrical output of the alternator
Unfortunately, a dead battery can’t always be avoided so the next time you’re faced with the challenge, follow these steps to successfully jump a vehicle. two jiffy lube employees checking battery in vehicle

Brakes

There is nothing more important than being able to safely bring your vehicle to a stop. Properly working brakes are key to avoiding dangerous situations. Your brakes shouldn’t make any unusual sounds, smells, or cause pulling, grabbing, or vibrating. You can avoid costly repairs and gain peace of mind with a brake inspection. At Jiffy Lube of Indiana, a technician will perform a  visual inspection on the brake system’s linings, key components, measure the brake pads and provide service recommendations with a written evaluation. 62% of maintenance shops report that more than half of the vehicles they service are behind on scheduled maintenance services

Lights

Your lights are a vital part of winter driving safety, helping you to see and be seen. Make sure headlights and taillights (including brake lights, fog lights, and hi-beams) are in working order Also, check the clarity of the light lenses. Cloudy or yellow lights don’t perform at their best and cut down on your visibility on the road. Here are a few simple for your headlights.

Through the month of October, get 10% off any maintenance scheduled services with code MAINT10.

The best time to inspect these components is before they stop working. Prepare for colder weather by taking care of these fall maintenance steps on your own or having them done by a professional. At Jiffy Lube of Indiana, we’re here to help. If you need assistance, stop by your nearest Jiffy Lube of Indiana location and one of our qualified technicians will be happy to help.

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