Now that fall is here, we all know that winter is right around the corner.   That makes now the perfect time to have some preventive maintenance done to your vehicle.  Something that is often overlooked is your vehicle’s cooling system.  Many of us have our radiators topped off when we have our oil changed.  However, the alternating winter cold and summer heat will cause engine coolant to loose it’s effectiveness over time.  This could lead to your vehicle overheating, leaving you stranded and facing an expensive engine repair bill.  Therefore, have your vehicle’s cooling system tested and, if necessary, drained, flushed and re-filled with new engine coolant once a year.

Your ability to see the road will become hindered as ice, snow and road salt becomes a part of our lives.  It is important that you have your windshield wipers replaced and your windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.  Windshield wipers have a lifespan of just six months.  At this point they will begin to crack and you will be looking through a windshield that is smeared with salt and ice.  That same salt and ice will make us use windshield washer fluid more often than we normally would.  To avoid running out, check the fluid level often. 

The last topic I would like to discuss is your vehicle’s belts and hoses.  Over time, the elements and simple use will cause these items to loose their elasticity, become brittle and break.  Depending on driving conditions, your vehicle’s belts and hoses should last for a few years.  However, if you’re like a lot of us, you’ve either never had your belts and hoses replaced or, if you have, you cannot remember the last time you had it done.  To be on the safe side, it is a simple job to just have your mechanic check to see if you need them replaced.