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Fall maintenance tips for vehicle owners

Simple things you can do before your winter maintenance
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As hard as a long, hot summer can be on you, it’s nothing compared to how hard it can be on your car. Stifling temperatures put stresses on your engine and your cooling system, hot asphalt causes greater wear and tear on your tires, and increased mileage from trips and towing reduces the integrity of your brakes, suspension system, and your fluids. By the time September rolls around, your vehicle could use some TLC prior to the next harsh season of driving. Here are few fall maintenance tips from Vinnie’s Mr. Fix-It designed to extend the life of your vehicle. 

“A big thing in the fall is that it’s a good time to consider your annual rustproofing,” said 
Vince Klimkosz, owner of the two locations of Vinnie’s Mr. Fix-it in Guelph. “Rustproofing has a lot of benefits, including helping the underbody last longer. You want to start treatments early before the car ages. You don’t want to wait until rust is already there. It won’t magically stop the rust at that point, but it may slow it down.” 

Klimkosz said your vehicle exterior should be thoroughly washed and dried prior to any rustproofing treatment to ensure better coverage. Vehicle owners looking to save money can also purchase brand name rustproofing products in aerosol form from any well-stocked automotive parts supplier. 

“There are good quality synthetic or oil-based products on the market like Krown, he said. “You can also buy any of synthetic-based products. Fluid Firm makes a really good rustproofing as well.”

After driving in hot, dusty conditions all summer, another good annual fall maintenance tip is checking both your cabin filter and your engine air filter. 

“A new cabin air filter will just enhance the air quality in the interior of your vehicle,” said Klimkosz. “It will help clean the air a little better, especially given that your windows will probably be up a little more as it gets cold. With gas prices so high right now, a good engine filter can also help ensure the engine is running at its best so you can get the best fuel mileage possible.” 

Falling temperatures can come quickly as October rolls in, and that means you’ll be switching from air conditioning to heating. Having a full system check will ensure your vehicle heater is cranking out maximum heat and capable of quickly defrosting windshields when morning frost starts to appear. 

“Two other important things to check each fall are your tires and all your fluids,” said Klimkosz. “Checking the tire pressure is important as temperatures drop. You may want to check that your antifreeze is topped up and you swap out your windshield fluid. The fall is always a good time to do a nice interior cleaning as well. A clean car is always a happy car!”

For more information or to book your fall maintenance, visit Vinnie’s Mr. Fix-It online at vinniesmrfixit.com. Or drop by either of their two Guelph locations: 30 Hayes Avenue, or 41 Woodlawn Road West.