Fall is fast approaching, so that means cooler weather is finally headed our way. Now is a great time to schedule any overdue or routine ‘milestone’ (30/60/90k miles) services. So schedule your Fall Vehicle Maintenance to get an oil change, replace dirty air filters, and inspect the heater & air conditioning systems before winter arrives. We all know how unpredictable weather can be in Redmond, WA. Don’t get caught in the wet & cold without a reliable heater and working windshield wipers.
Fall Vehicle Maintenance Items
Oil Change
Did you know that almost a quarter of the vehicles on the road today are driving with dirty oil? Your vehicle’s engine depends on clean oil to stay properly lubricated and cool. Operating your vehicle with dirty oil speeds up wear on internal engine components. It also uses more gasoline, making it less efficient. It’s a good practice to have your oil changed according to the schedule outlined in your owner’s manual.
Engine Air Filter
How often should you change the engine air filter? Well, that depends on several factors. The type of vehicle you have, your driving style, and the environment you drive in can all impact when you need a new air filter. Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s replacement suggestions for your specific vehicle. If you notice the engine air filter is caked with dirt and debris between the routine maintenance intervals, go ahead and change it out for a new one.
Heater & Air Conditioning
The heater and air conditioning system in your vehicle is complex, with a lot of parts that must all work together. If even one of them is malfunctioning, it can throw off the entire system. Your service technician can run a diagnostic service to find any issues with your heater and air conditioning system. It is best to handle these concerns before you need a heater or defroster once the temperature drops.
Check Coolant Levels
You never want to drive with low coolant (antifreeze). Luckily, it is one of the easier things to inspect on your vehicle. There is a transparent plastic reservoir mounted near the radiator, or above one of the wheel wells. It will have fill line-markings molded into the plastic. If the coolant is low, add enough coolant to reach the appropriate marking. Always make sure to use the coolant formulated for your specific vehicle. You may also need to dilute the coolant with distilled water (be sure to follow the directions on the bottle or in your owner’s manual).
Cabin Air Filter
If you have noticed a reduction of airflow from the heater/AC vents, then it may be time to replace your vehicle’s cabin air filter. Allergy sufferers may also benefit from a new cabin air filter. Excess amounts of dirt and pollen in the cabin air filter can exacerbate seasonal allergies.
Clean Interior Vents
Make sure to check that your vents are free of dust, leaves, dead bugs, and any other debris that may have accumulated over the summer. The defroster relies on the vents right up against the front windshield, so be sure to keep loose items away from those vents.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers should be replaced at least once a year. You may need to replace them every 3-6 months in environments that see a lot of rain or extreme temperatures during the year. To test your wipers, start with a clean windshield and wipe the wiper blades down with a damp cloth to remove excess debris. You’ll know it’s time to replace your wiper blades if you have streaks, skidding, cracked/damaged blades, or poor overall performance.
Fall Vehicle Maintenance in Redmond, WA
ZahnTech Automotive Service has experienced ASE Certified Technicians to diagnose and service your vehicle. We specialize in fair and honest work, on all makes and models of cars and trucks and provide premier customer service. We have all the latest equipment and knowledge to get your vehicle fixed right the first time.
Schedule a Service
Call us at (425) 861-8060 or visit us online to schedule a service appointment today! We look forward to helping you get your vehicle ready for fall!