September Car Care: Get Ready for Busy Roads and the Winter Ahead

September is a month of change. Kids are heading back to school, morning commutes are getting busier, daylight hours are shrinking, and across British Columbia, cooler weather is starting to creep back into the forecast.

It’s also an ideal time to give your vehicle a little attention before fall turns into winter.

Start With Your Tires

Your tires have worked hard through summer road trips, hot pavement and long highway drives. September is a good time to check tread depth, tire pressure and overall tire condition.

Remember that cooler temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. A tire that was properly inflated during a hot August afternoon may be underinflated on a chilly September morning.

And while you probably don’t need your winter tires installed just yet, now is a great time to start planning.

In BC, winter tire requirements on many designated highways begin October 1. Booking your winter tire changeover early can help you beat the inevitable rush when the first cold weather arrives.

Back to School Means More Stop-and-Go Driving

September also brings school zones, heavier traffic and more short trips.

If your vehicle spends much of its day travelling just a few kilometres at a time, those short trips can actually be harder on it than longer highway drives. The battery may not have enough time to fully recharge, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature, and brakes can see plenty of use in stop-and-go traffic.

Consider having a few basics checked:

• Brakes: Make sure pads, rotors and brake fluid are ready for wet fall roads.
• Battery: Cooler weather can expose a battery that was already getting weak.

• Wipers: Summer heat can be tough on wiper blades. Replace streaking or chattering blades before the fall rain arrives.
• Fluids: Check coolant, engine oil and windshield washer fluid.

• Lights: With shorter days ahead, make sure headlights, brake lights and turn signals are all working properly.

A Little September Prep Goes a Long Way

Nobody wants to think about winter while there’s still summer weather hanging around, but September gives you a valuable head start.

A quick seasonal inspection now can uncover worn tires, weak batteries, tired brakes or other small problems before colder weather puts them to the test.

Book your September vehicle inspection or tire check today and head into fall knowing your vehicle is ready for whatever the next season brings.