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As we bid farewell to summer and its endless road trips, beach days, and barbecues, it’s time to shift gears and welcome the beautiful colors and cooler temperatures of fall. But with that change also comes the need for preparing your vehicle for the season ahead. Aspen Hill Exxon, your trusted full-service automotive repair shop located in Silver Spring, Maryland, is here to guide you through this important process.

Why Fall Maintenance is Essential

Fall brings not just falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, but also a host of new conditions that can affect your vehicle. From dropping temperatures that impact tire pressure to wet and slippery roads that demand optimum brake function, your car needs to be in tip-top shape. The preparation you do now will also serve you well as you transition into winter.

Checklist for Fall Car Care

1. Tire Inspection

Check the tread depth and wear pattern of your tires. Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them critical for your safety. If the tread looks uneven or shallow, consider replacing the tires. Also, as temperatures dip, tire pressure decreases. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.

2. Brake Service

The summer months can be hard on your brakes. Heat and constant use can wear them down, making them less responsive. Fall is a good time to have your brakes inspected and serviced.

3. Battery Test

Summer heat can be brutal on your battery. Before you're stranded in a mall parking lot on a chilly evening, have your battery tested to ensure it can handle the power demands of the colder months.

4. Fluids and Filters

Check all the fluids in your vehicle, including oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Also, consider replacing the air and cabin filters if you haven't done so recently.

5. Lighting and Wipers

With the days getting shorter, you'll be using your headlights more frequently. Make sure all your external lights are functioning correctly. Replace wiper blades if they are torn or leaving streaks on the windshield.

6. HVAC System

You’ll soon need to heat your car in the mornings and possibly defrost the windshield. Ensure your HVAC system is up to the task by having it checked for efficiency.

Why Choose Aspen Hill Exxon?

Serving Aspen Hill, Wheaton, Olney, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding areas in Montgomery County, Maryland, Aspen Hill Exxon is your one-stop-shop for all your fall car care needs. Our team of certified professionals can perform all the inspections and services listed above with the highest level of expertise.

So, before the leaves begin to fall, make sure your vehicle is autumn-ready. Schedule an appointment with us and drive into the new season with confidence and peace of mind.