October is National Fall Car Care Month, making it the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the cooler, wetter weather ahead. Performing a thorough inspection now can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs during the harsh winter months.

Under the hood.

• Test your battery. Summer heat wears down batteries, so have your battery and charging system professionally tested to ensure it will reliably start in cold temperatures. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.
• Check fluids. Cold weather can stress your engine, so check all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
• Inspect your coolant/antifreeze. Check the level and concentration of your coolant, and consider a flush and refill if it's old or dirty. This prevents the system from freezing.
• Change oil and filters. A fresh oil and filter change ensures your engine is properly lubricated and runs efficiently. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to switch to a lower-viscosity "winter weight" oil.
• Inspect belts and hoses. Look for cracks, leaks, or fraying on the accessory drive belts and cooling system hoses. Cold weather can make these components more brittle.

Tires and brakes

• Check tire pressure and tread depth. Cooler temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, so check and adjust the PSI on all tires, including the spare. Use the penny test to check tread depth—if you can see all of Lincoln's head when the penny is upside down in the tread, it's time for new tires.
• Rotate your tires. Rotating your tires promotes even tread wear and extends their lifespan.
• Consider winter tires. If you live in an area with heavy snow and ice, dedicated winter tires will provide superior traction and control.
• Inspect your brakes. Have your brake system inspected by a professional. Worn brake pads and rotors can be especially dangerous on wet or icy roads.

Visibility and heating



• Replace wiper blades and fluid. Summer sun can damage wiper blades, so replace worn-out ones that leave streaks. Fill the reservoir with a winter-grade washer fluid that contains de-icer. Consider heavy-duty winter wiper blades, they provide better windshield cleaning during the winter months.
• Test your defroster and heater. Ensure your heater and defroster are working correctly. You need to be able to clear your windshield of fog and ice for safe driving.
• Check lights. Shorter days mean more driving in the dark. Walk around your vehicle and check that all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working.

At Mastercraft Discount Auto we provide our customers with clear diagnosis of the problems you are experiencing with your vehicle, ensuring you are aware of the necessary repairs, giving you the confidence in the process and avoiding surprises. We encourage our customers to ask questions about the repairs, parts, and the overall process to ensure you fully understand what's involved. Drop by any of our convenient Ocean County car and truck repair locations in Bayville, Waretown, Manahawkin or Little Egg Harbor.

Drive safely.