Summer can put a lot of extra kilometres on your vehicle. Between road trips, weekend getaways, trips to the beach and everyday driving around Leamington and Essex County, your car may have worked a little harder than usual over the past few months.
As August winds down and families across Leamington, Kingsville and the surrounding Essex County area get ready for back-to-school season, it’s a great time to give your vehicle some attention too.
Whether you’re driving the kids to school, commuting to work, heading back to college or simply settling into a busier fall routine, an end-of-summer vehicle maintenance check can help make sure your car is ready for the road ahead.
Check Your Oil and Filters
If you’ve put a lot of kilometres on your vehicle this summer, start by checking when you last had an oil change.
Regular oil and filter changes are an important part of routine vehicle maintenance and help keep your engine properly lubricated and protected. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change interval and the correct type of motor oil for your vehicle.
If you’re planning a DIY oil change in Leamington, stop by D&T Auto for motor oil, oil filters and the supplies you need to get the job done.
While you’re at it, check your engine air filter. Summer driving on dusty rural roads, gravel roads and through construction can leave an air filter dirty and clogged.
Your cabin air filter is worth checking too. Replacing a dirty cabin air filter can help maintain airflow through your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system and reduce the dust and debris entering the cabin.
Replace Worn Wiper Blades Before Fall Rain Arrives
Hot summer temperatures, direct sunlight and months of clearing bugs and debris from your windshield can take a toll on your windshield wiper blades.
If your wipers are streaking, squeaking, skipping or leaving sections of your windshield unclear, it may be time for a replacement.
With wetter fall weather around the corner in Essex County, August is a great time to replace worn wiper blades and top up your windshield washer fluid.
Not sure which wiper blades fit your vehicle? Stop by D&T Auto in Leamington and our team can help you find the right size and style.
Have Your Car Battery Checked
A car battery isn’t something most drivers think about during the summer, but you don’t want to discover a weak battery on a busy school or work morning.
Take a look under the hood for corrosion around the battery terminals and pay attention to signs such as slow engine cranking, difficulty starting or electrical issues.
If your battery is getting older or you’ve noticed changes in how your vehicle starts, late summer is a good time to have your car battery tested before cooler weather arrives.
Looking for a car battery in Leamington or Essex County? D&T Auto can help you find the correct replacement battery for your vehicle.
Check Your Headlights, Brake Lights and Turn Signals
The days are getting shorter, which means more driving in lower-light conditions is on the way.
Before fall arrives, check your:
- Headlights
- High beams
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Reverse lights
- Licence plate lights
Replacing a burnt-out headlight bulb or automotive bulb is a relatively simple maintenance task that can make an important difference in visibility.
D&T Auto carries replacement automotive bulbs and lighting products in Leamington for a wide range of cars, trucks and SUVs.
Pay Attention to Your Brakes
Summer road trips, stop-and-go traffic and everyday driving throughout Leamington and Essex County can all contribute to normal brake wear.
Pay attention if you notice squeaking or grinding sounds, vibration when braking, a soft brake pedal or a change in how long it takes your vehicle to stop.
Depending on your vehicle and its condition, worn components may need to be inspected or replaced.
If you’re looking for brake pads, brake rotors or other brake parts in Leamington, the team at D&T Auto can help you find the right parts for your vehicle.
Give Your Vehicle an End-of-Summer Clean
After a busy summer, your vehicle may also be ready for a good clean.
Vacuum out the sand, dirt and crumbs left behind from summer adventures, clean your windows and wipe down the interior. On the outside, washing away bugs, dirt and road grime can help get your vehicle looking its best heading into fall.
It’s also a good opportunity to stock up on car cleaning and detailing supplies, including interior cleaners, glass cleaners, wash products, waxes and microfibre towels.
Your Local Auto Parts Store in Leamington, Ontario
Back-to-school season means earlier mornings, school drop-offs, sports practices, work commutes and plenty of time spent behind the wheel. Taking care of some basic vehicle maintenance now can help you head into the busy fall season prepared.
Before September gets underway, visit D&T Auto in Leamington, Ontario for the auto parts, maintenance products and advice you need.
Proudly serving drivers and DIYers in Leamington and throughout Essex County, D&T Auto is your local source for quality automotive parts and supplies.
D&T Auto Parts
24 Fraser Road
Leamington, ON N8H 4E5
519-322-2551
