Early Autumn Service Tips to Prepare for Leaf Peeping Season

Sep 17, 2025

In just a few short days we’ll be ushering in the official start to Autumn! As we bid a fond farewell to Summer, it’s important to remember that it’s time to bring your vehicle in for another service appointment. Let’s not fall behind in our maintenance routine just because we’ll be doing a little less driving. Today on the blog, we’re sharing our seasonal checklist of things you should look over or service before the cooler weather is in full swing. And of course, you can always give our service center a call if you think your car needs a little extra TLC from the pros!

Make sure to service the Heating and Cooling System – Your AC has certainly been getting a workout this summer as it’s one of the hottest on record in awhile, but as the heat waves break and give way to cooler temps, it’s important you have your cooling and heating system inspected! Make sure that your AC Unit, Radiator, and other cooling system parts receive tune-ups before major issues arise. It’s good to make sure that everything is in working order now especially, as these first few weeks of the season can fluctuate between warm and cooler weather, so you’ll likely need both your AC and the heat alternatingly. When you bring your vehicle in for a heating/cooling service, ask them to check your air filter for a cleaning or replacement as needed. And of course, be sure to clear any leaf debris from your vehicle’s exterior for better airflow and intake.
Inspect your vehicle’s Defogging and Defrosting Features – The fluctuating weather and temps and increase in foggy, rainy days can also lead to foggy windows which can decrease your visibility! Test your defogging and defrosting system to ensure that the vents are free, clear, and and the system is functioning at optimal condition before the blustery, chilly autumn weather is in full effect.
Rotate your Tires and check the Steering and Suspension – It is recommended you have a tire rotation and wheel alignment now, before winter weather strikes, to ensure that you have accurate steering and stable suspension. While you’re in the service center, ask your mechanic to give your tires a thorough inspection for damage or excess wear. Look for signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bubbles, cracks or small tears, or significant tread wear leaving bald spots. There’s nothing more unpleasant than hydroplaning in a sunshower or catching a pile of fallen wet leaves while trying to stop short. Ensure that you can stop on a dime with properly inflated tires and reasonable tread depth. Switch out summer tires for all-season to prevent accidents from improper road grip. Be sure to regularly monitor your tire pressure; changing temperatures of 10 degrees can cause changes to tire pressure.
Inspect and change all of the vehicle’s Windshield Wipers – We’re going to remind you of the importance of fully functional, pristine wiper blades with every seasonal change. Clear visibility and streak-free windshields are a vital part of your automotive safety, and can reduce risk of accidents due to poor visibility. Check your wiper blades and replace any damaged blades immediately. Consider also adding an application of hydrophobic coating such as RainX to your windshield, and/or select windshield wipers with hydrophobic coating built-in to the blades.
Service the whole brakes system: Emergency Brake, Brakes/Lines, Rotors, etc. – That rainy, blustery autumn weather may usher in a cozy season, but it also brings with it some seriously slippery driving conditions with mud, flash flooding, and wet leaves. It’s vital to ensure your vehicle has a good set of brakes and quality rotors, and is the difference between the ability to stop safely and avoid accidents. It is important to make sure that your braking system and brake light are in perfect working order before you’re faced with a split second decision to swerve, stop short, or find a wet patch of leaves on the roadway. Check the front and rear brakes, emergency brake, and brake light system. Ask your mechanic to inspect all lines and replace fluid as needed.
Check your car battery monthly – Colder months mean we’re more apt to leave our car running to “warm it up” so we don’t shiver on our morning commutes. This also means a higher potential for draining the battery through accidental means. Be prepared in the event of human error or issues at start-up by always keeping a portable battery charger to jump-start in the event you’re stranded with no one around, or in a space where no one can reach your vehicle. If a vehicle is going into or coming out of storage, the battery should definitely be checked and replaced as they do lose charge while sitting.
Ensure your car’s headlights and casings are clean, and replace dim or broken bulbs – The season change means earlier sunsets and while the waning evening light makes for a beautiful golden hour, it does mean you’ll be driving in the dark a little longer than usual. It’s important that you make sure you have bright, clear headlights to maintain road safety and reduce accidents. Apply a headlight defogger repair kit to any dull, scratched headlight casings, or have them replaced by your local mechanic. Replace dim or non-working bulbs ASAP to ensure you’re driving safely and don’t get a ticket.