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   Ottumwa, IA | (641) 680-7181

OUR BLOG

10/5/2021
The weather is changing, and it’s the time of year when it’s a good idea to do a bit of fall vehicle maintenance. In this post by AMSOIL: Lopshire Motorsports in Ottumwa, we’ll go over five points you should check on your vehicle this season.

Check Your Battery

First things first, making sure your battery is in top shape is essential this time of year. One of the first things you should make sure is in working order is your battery. Ensure that it’s charging correctly and that it doesn’t have any corrosion. Other signs of car battery trouble can be dim headlights, needing to step on the gas pedal to start the engine, and a clicking sound when turning your key. This time of year, another thing to keep in mind is that freezing conditions can be bad for your battery life. Fall is the perfect time of the year to start preparing your battery for winter. Make sure to keep it charged by going on long drives and clean by removing acid buildup with warm water regularly.

Having a fall vehicle maintenance schedule can be highly beneficial for your vehicle. Make sure to ask the experts at Lopshire Motorsports about the best products for your engine, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil. Call them today at (641) 680-7181 for a consultation or visit their online store for more information on their entire line of products.

Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids

Checking your vehicle’s fluids is also vital for the overall health of your engine. There are five types of fluids you should keep an eye out for. These are engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic and transmission fluid. These fluids work in different parts of your vehicle to help it work better and be more efficient. These fluids should be at the correct levels and should be clean and rid of debris.

Check Your Vehicle’s Brakes

Having reliable brakes is essential as its one of the main safety features of your vehicle. It’s necessary to ensure that they’re in the best condition possible when taking it out on the road. Two ways to ensure that your brakes are in good working order are to check that the brake pads on your vehicle aren’t worn. You can assess this by looking at them through the wholes in your wheels. If the brake pads look thinner than 1/4 inch, it’s time to change them for optimal braking. Another essential thing to remember is that brakes work with brake fluid. An excellent way to tell if your brake fluid is running low is to see if your car vibrates when you brake. The good news is that brake fluid is long-lasting, and you should change it every 24 months, or 24,000 miles. That being said, fall is a great time to check if it’s time to do so.

Make sure that your vehicle is in top condition by performing a bit for fall vehicle maintenance. Get the best products from the experts at Lopshire Motorsports. Call them today at (641) 680-7181 to answer any questions you might have about oil products. Don’t forget to visit their website to place your order 24/7!

Tires

Keeping your tires in good shape is also essential to being safe on the road during fall. If it’s been a while since you rotated your tires, this might be an excellent time to schedule a visit to your trusty mechanic’s garage to get them rotated. Rotating your tires takes around 15 minutes and can help your tires last longer as they will get worn more evenly. Late fall is also a great time to switch to winter tires as they will provide much more security while driving on snowy roads because of their deeper treads that grip the road to prevent aquaplaning. Winter tires are a reliable option for everyday vehicles like cars, minivans, and SUVs, and they work best in temperatures under 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Start Preparing for Winter

Finally, fall is the best time to prepare your vehicle for winter and make it more comfortable and safe. Ensure that your car’s heater and defrosters work correctly, that your wiper blades aren’t worn, and that your windshield washer is topped off. Also, protect your vehicle’s floors with all-weather floor mats that can handle snowy and muddy shoes better.

Fall vehicle maintenance can save you a lot of money in the long run. The experts at Lopshire Motorsports can help you ensure that your vehicle gets the best products possible for its engine. Call them today at (641) 680-7181 for more information, or place an order at their online store.