We all have a Fall checklist of things we need to accomplish, whether it’s in our head, our phone or on paper.  But let’s make sure we don’t forget to put our car maintenance on that checklist.  Because without a proper running vehicle, it will be more difficult to accomplish the other things on our list.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had the oil in your car changed, Fall is a perfect time to do it.  Regular oil changes are a very important service to have on our Fall checklist.  Having clean oil in the engine helps keep your car running smoothly.

Our radiators should also be checked, they won’t last forever. Over time, they can break down and start corroding, which leads to cooling problems and a radiator repair.  Fall is a great time for a radiator flush, which is a quick and easy fix to avoid bigger problems later.  All it takes is about 30 minutes for us to drain and flush the entire cooling system, refill it with fresh anti-freeze/coolant, and check for leaks in the hoses, clamps and the radiator cap.

Check to see if your headlights and wiper blades are working.  Every day brings darkness to us a little bit earlier and good working headlights will light your path and keep you safe.  Replacing worn wiper blades and refilling the washer fluid will prepare you for those unexpected storms that can come in the Fall.  You might want to use snow blades now, since they are designed for better snow removal.

Last, but certainly not least, our Fall checklist needs to include a brake check.  No one wants to go through the terror of trying to stop suddenly and realizing the brakes aren’t working.  If you haven’t had your brakes checked in the last six months, now is the time to have it done.

Fall is a beautiful time in Colorado, but before you know it the leaves will be off the trees, and the snow will start falling.  So don’t be caught off-guard, get your vehicle ready now.