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 In addition to keeping cash in your wallet, performing routine maintenance and using quality products can help drivers stay safe through even the nastiest of conditions. Maintenance plays a big role in staying safe – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about one in eight crashes can be attributed to mechanical defects due to neglected vehicle maintenance.

To avoid costly repairs and ensure your safety, prepare for harsh conditions in advance by following a few simple guidelines:

Early Fall

 Tune-ups - Get a full engine tune-up, as outlined in your owner’s manual.

Check the brakes - Don’t postpone needed brake work. Avoiding brake repair can be extremely dangerous, and if you procrastinate, you may end up damaging your rotors and incurring considerably more repair cost.

Get an oil change - Motor oil is the lifeblood of every vehicle. Replacing your current oil with a synthetic product that is specifically designed for longer oil change intervals helps to extend the life of your car. It is recommended that most vehicles should have a seasonal oil change, or about every 3,000 miles. Depending on your vehicle make and model, you may be able to schedule your service twice a year or every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Check with your auto service technician or owner’s manual to find where your vehicle falls.

Mid to Late Fall

Check the battery - If a battery is older than four years, it may not work well in cold weather. When in doubt, replace it.  Check your connections and for corrosion.

Check filters, coolants and hoses - Make sure all filters (oil, gas and air) are in good condition. Check the coolant and thermostat to ensure proper engine warm-up, and make sure your heater and defroster work. Coolant should be changed every two years, though the extended-life coolants used in many newer vehicles last about five years. Check for leaking, cracked, or soft hoses and replace as needed.   

Emergencies - Put together an emergency kit containing gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter (handy for providing traction on slippery surfaces), tire chains, a flashlight and a cell phone. You may also want to put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box. Fall can be prone to snow early in some areas, and sudden storms. Don’t be left stranded.

Late Fall

Tire pressure - Check tires for excessive wear and proper inflation. Be careful not to under-inflate or over-inflate tires. Low pressure increases wear and fuel consumption, while too much pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. As the weather gets cooler, your air pressure decreases.

Icy windows and locks - Make sure to have window ice scrapers and de-icers available. Also make sure your windshield wipers and front and rear defrosters are working properly. A de-icer for door locks is also useful.  Don’t wait until it freezes- be prepared.

Slow down - Do not exceed speed limits and keep safe driving distances. Unnecessary speedups, slowdowns and stops can decrease fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon. Avoid gas-wasting jackrabbit starts and pace your driving to help avoid the need for sudden stops, which is especially critical during wet and icy road conditions. Watch for school children and pedestrians at crosswalks as the days get shorter.

Vehicle warm-up - To ensure proper engine oil flow and lubrication, allow your engine to idle for a few seconds before driving in cold weather, and drive slowly for the first few miles until the oil is fully warmed up. In addition to being good for your engine, this practice reduces emissions and saves fuel.

There’s no reason to put off what you can accomplish today – and why wait until it’s freezing outside? Your car will be more reliable throughout the winter if properly cared for in the fall months.