It is officially fall – time for Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes, and holiday road trips. We know, we know – pumpkins and fall are amazing, but now is also a good time to remember the basics like routine automobile maintenance. You can’t get to the costume party if your car won’t start…
 

Here at Butler Automotive Management, we are all about keeping your car fresh – all year long. But before the weather starts to turn too much, give your car a little extra TLC. Below, we have some easy steps to keeping your car safe and on the road for the rest of the season and all year-round. 

 

Oil Change 

 

Has it been a year since your last oil change? Let’s be honest, some drivers push it when it comes to their oil. This is a key component of car care and before the temperatures dip, you’ll want to set your engine up for success.  

If it’s been over 5-7K miles or over 12+ months since your last oil change, it’s time to give us a call.  

 

Check the Tires 

 

Tires are an essential part of any basic vehicle check. The basics of a tire check are tread depth, any signs of wear and tear, and any bulges or bald spots.  

Check the tire pressure and adjust it accordingly. Pressure drops with the temperature outside – so as it cools down, you might experience lower pressure. Keep an eye on your tire pressure – it’s an easy way to keep everyone safe! 

 

Inspect the Battery 

 

Pop the hood and check out your battery. Are all the connections tight, clean, and corrosion-free? Amazing! If not – get that checked and fixed by a professional (remember: we’ll come to you to clean it up, give you a boost, or even replace the battery).  

As cooler weather sets in, it can affect your battery. Keep an eye on the charging system before it gets too cold outside. While under the hood, look for leaves and debris and make sure to clear those to get proper airflow to your engine. 

 

What’s Happening with the Wiper Blades, Defrosters, and Heater?

 

Sometimes your car’s HVAC system can be overlooked – don’t fall into this trap! Your vehicle’s heating, venting, and cooling system is important for both your comfort and safety.  

You need it for defrosting and visibility as the weather starts shifting. Wiper blades are a no-brainer in Florida, for a place that rains nearly every day here, we know we need reliable wiper blades. We recommend replacing blades every 6-12 months, and when you replace them, refill your wiper fluid’s reservoir.
 

Shine On: Look at Your Lights 

 

Make sure all of your headlights and taillights are in working order – this includes your brake lights, fog lights, and high beams. You’ll be using all of these more as it starts to get dark earlier in the day.  

Check the clarity of the light lenses as cloudy lights cut down your visibility on the road. If your lights are cloudy, there are a few different eco-friendly cleaning solutions you can use. 

 

And Lastly…The Brakes 

 

Your brake system must be prepared to take on the changes in weather. Wherever you take your car, you should get it road tested for braking symptoms and inspecting the condition and level of brake fluid, and inspection of the master cylinder. 

 

Maintaining Your Ride
 

We all want our cars to last longer, and we all want to be safer on the road. The best way to do that is to keep your vehicle maintained. BAM is all about making maintenance fast and convenient for you. Call today to learn more about our services throughout Tampa Bay!