Fall is the most underrated maintenance season. The weather is comfortable for garage work, and you have time to fix things before winter makes everything harder and more expensive.
Fall checklist
- Coolant freeze protection — test your coolant's freeze point with a $5 hydrometer. Most mixed coolant protects to -34F (-37C), but if someone topped off with water, your protection might be much weaker.
- Battery health — batteries that survived summer heat often die on the first cold morning. If yours is over 4 years old, get it tested now.
- Tire tread depth — the penny test: insert a penny head-first into the groove. If you see all of Lincoln's head, you're below 2/32" and need new tires before wet or icy roads.
- Wiper blades — summer UV destroys rubber. Replace them now so you're ready for the first rainstorm.
- Heater and defroster — turn on heat and defrost now. If the heater blows cold, you want to know before you need it.
- Lights check — days get shorter. Walk around with all lights on and replace dead bulbs.
Why it matters
Winter breakdowns are worse in every way: harder to diagnose, more dangerous on icy roads, and shops are busier. Fall maintenance is proactive; winter maintenance is reactive and more expensive.
Quick action
Pick one item from this list today. Test your battery if it's over 3 years old, or check your tire tread depth. The goal is to catch problems while the weather still lets you work comfortably.
