FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Fall car care is vital to prepare your vehicle for the changing season. Tires require proper traction for slippery or wet roads, batteries can struggle in colder weather, and well-functioning lights are important in shorter daylight hours. Neglecting these factors could lead to accidents or breakdowns, making fall maintenance imperative in the transition from summer to winter. 

As summer road trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula come to an end, and you settle back into your fall routine of school drop-offs, tailgates, and bonfires, we recommend that you review the following fall vehicle maintenance checklist to ensure that your car is ready for the change of seasons And right now you can save up to $280 with our stackable service rebates through October 31, 2023! Keep reading to learn more.

1. Check Your Oil: Clean oil keeps your hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth, and cool. Getting your oil and filter changed is one of the simplest ways to increase the longevity of your vehicle. There are many different types of oil, but a good rule of thumb we follow at Berger is to change your oil every 5,000 miles or to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s oil maintenance guidelines. To check your oil, let your vehicle run for a few minutes, park it on a level surface, and shut off the engine. Next, open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Be sure to wipe off the dipstick before checking your oil. When checking your oil you want to be sure to look at the oil level and at the oil itself. If you’re low on oil you can add or change the oil completely. The oil should be brownish-yellow and clean on the dipstick. If your oil level is low, or the oil is a dark color or there’s a lot of dirt and grime in it, you’re in need of an oil change and oil filter replacement. If you prefer to leave oil life to the experts, the Berger team will check it for you! 

2. Check Your Battery: Fall is a great time to inspect your car’s battery. Make sure to check to see if the cables and terminals are snug. Be sure to retighten them as necessary to ensure good contact. If your connections are corroded or dirty, disconnect them and clean them with a wire brush or cleaning tool. If the vehicle is going to be parked or stored for an extended period of time, you may want to consider a trickle charger to keep the battery charged up. Over time, all batteries lose strength so it’s important to be proactive in preserving/replacing your battery. Don’t forget to stop by Berger Chevy’s Quick Service Lanes for FREE battery testing if your battery is located under the hood. 

3. Check Your Exterior Lights: As the days get shorter it is likely that you will be spending more time driving in the dark, so make sure that your headlights, high beams, and brake lights are all in working order. Clouded lenses are more than just a cosmetic problem, they also pose a safety threat. As cars age, your headlights can become cloudy or hazy, compromising night vision. And remember, if you notice your turn signal blinking quicker than normal, that could be a sign that one of your bulbs is out. 

4. Check Your Tires: Your vehicle’s tires are its first and only contact with the road so it’s important to make sure that they are in good working order this fall season! Ensuring that your tires are in good shape is a good way to save money by increasing your gas mileage. Plus, tires in poor condition can be a very serious safety issue. Remember that over time it’s normal for tires to lose a bit of air, so if your tire pressure is low, it may not be cause for immediate concern. Be sure to give your tires a good inspection and see that there are no punctures; check to make sure that the tire has a good amount of tread all around the tire and that there are no uneven wear patterns. A good rule of thumb when checking your tire’s tread depth is to use a penny. Stick the penny in the grooves of the tire head first. If the top of his head disappears between the tread then the tread is good. Remember to not only check each tire but also check various places around each tire, especially if it looks more worn. If you notice a low tread depth or uneven wear, it might be time for a tire rotation, or a new set of tires. At Berger Chevrolet, we offer a price match guarantee on tires. We aim to be competitive with our tire pricing, but if you find a lower price around town, bring it to us. We match prices on most tires and offer additional tire rebates throughout the year. 

5. Wash and Wax Your Vehicle: Living in West Michigan, we all know that it’s bad to leave salt on your car in the winter. That’s why on any day over 32 degrees, we all flock to the nearest car wash. Fall is also a great time to clean off your ride before the cold weather. With summer comes dead bugs and tree sap landing on your car. The change in weather and snow can cause these caked-on messes to ruin your vehicle’s finish. To avoid any damage to your paint, it’s important to wash and wax your vehicle. Waxing your vehicle will ensure that the exterior of your car stays in prime condition as long as possible. 

6. Check Your Windshield Wipers: It’s recommended to replace your windshield wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. If your wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield, it’s either time to clean or replace them. The hot summer sun can also cause windshield wipers to crack which is not ideal in snowy West Michigan winters. Be sure to replace your wipers and top off your washer fluid to make sure your vehicle is as ready as it can be this autumn season.  

7. Check Your Fluid Levels: Brake and coolant fluid levels might be a little more challenging to check than your oil, but both are important. Your coolant keeps your engine running at optimal temperature, whereas your brake fluid helps to ensure that your brakes are working effectively. A quick check in your owner’s manual can help you find specifics on checking these fluid levels in your vehicle. You can also stop by our Quick Service Lanes and one of our technicians would be happy to help!

So remember, no matter where your Chevy takes you this fall; whether you’re getting ready for the tailgate, enjoying the warm weather, or chasing fall colors along M22 this autumn, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and ready for the inevitable Michigan winter. 

And for a limited time, you can take advantage of our Fall Certified Service Rebates. Save up to $280 with our stackable service rebates! Get up to $120 back on select sets of tires, PLUS get up to $160 back with our Around the Wheel rebates! Make sure your vehicle has the stopping power it needs this season with savings on new brake pads, brake rotors, shocks, and struts! The offer expires Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Schedule your service online OR swing through our quick service lanes for an oil change, battery testing, and more! No appointment is necessary for our Quick Lanes!