Vital Automotive Service Checkpoints for October Fall Car Care Month from Classic Kia in Waukegan

Oct 21, 2025

It’s time for another Classic service reminder post! Today, we’re sharing our picks for essential service and maintenance tasks you should be checking on your vehicle in October. It’s crucial that you think ahead of the incoming colder weather by preparing with regular service appointments. We offer service appointments with Service Specials every month! So be sure to check that out when you’re done with today’s post, and schedule your service appointment ASAP. Prevent costly repairs down the line by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Let’s get started on vital automotive service checkpoints to maintain in October for Fall Car Care Month!

Top off your fluids and flush any lines as needed. Make sure you’re checking your oil and antifreeze/coolant levels regularly. Bring your vehicle to your favorite local mechanic to ensure that your coolant mixture is appropriate for the seasonal temperature change, and that your oil has been topped off or replaced. Don’t forget to add winter-friendly windshield wiper fluids, too! You don’t want that freezing up when you have to clear off mud, sludge, icy slush or road salt off your windshield.

Check your tires and inflate them to proper pressure. Keep in mind that with every 10º change in weather, your tire pressure will change. Ensure that you’re regularly checking your tire pressure and keeping them inflated to maintain proper stopping distances in inclement weather. Likewise, be sure to check your tire treads and make sure they have adequate tread depth. Look for any signs of wear and tear on your tires, and have anything removed and patched, or the tires replaced if you notice any damage. Consider making the switch to all-season or winter tires if you’re still driving on summer ones! It’s recommended as well to have a wheel alignment and tire rotation to ensure even wear and tear and proper steering control.

Have your battery tested for durability. The change in temperature each season can put some extra wear and tear on your battery. It may not be at full capacity, as car batteries can lose up to 60% of their strength in freezing temperatures. Your local experienced mechanic will be able to assist you with testing the battery and finding you the right replacement if needed. Avoid short trips during the winter, as they do not give your battery adequate time to fully charge, leaving it weaker. Investing your funds into the best battery you can afford is a great choice to improve and maintain your vehicle performance.

Test the heater and defroster. Although we’ve all been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures this autumn, the time for overnight frosts is fast approaching. There’s nothing worse than getting ready in the morning to go to work and find your windshield covered in a layer of ice! A properly working defroster and heating system can save you lots of time, not to mention keeping you warm and comfortable on your commute of course. Remember to also change your interior and exterior air filters to improve airflow and circulation and reduce foggy windows and smelly outflow of air/heat.

Update your emergency car kit for winter. Since the weather is a little unpredictable, it’s better to be safe than sorry and prep your winter car care kit earlier than not. Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a can of de-icer or similar product, a good quality ice scraper and snow brush, thick blankets, an extra set of warm dry clothing, a spare jacket and gloves and hat, some shelf stable snacks, a bag of kitty litter and pet-safe salt for traction in ice and slippery conditions, some cardboard or tire grips to help with traction in a pinch, and a portable snow shovel. And always remember to fill your gas tank with at least ¼ to ½ a tank at all times!

Bring your vehicle in for a general tune-up and check-up before the cold. Since this is not a fully exhaustive list of maintenance tasks, you should always bring your vehicle in for a tune-up and service check at least once per season. Your mechanic can give it a thorough look over and point out any vital repairs. They’ll check the brakes, steering, alignment, fluids, electrical, etc and let you know the hierarchy of importance on repairs or replacements.