The Road Ahead: Preparing Your Vehicle For Shorter Days, Longer Nights

Minor mechanical problems in summer can lead to expensive repair bills in autumn. Longer fall nights also make it critical to improve driving visibility heading into harsh weather.

Risk of accidents and road challenges increase in October, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Longer nights compromise depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. The low angle of the sun increases windshield glare while high beams from oncoming traffic can render drivers temporarily blind.

"Autumn is an ideal time for a vehicle inspection because it gives drivers the opportunity to prepare for changing road and weather conditions before winter conditions arrive,” said Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for the American Automotive Association.

"Neglecting routine maintenance can damage your vehicle and leave you stranded with an unexpected repair bill."

Specifically, summer conditions affect engine performance, tire wear and battery health. Long highway drives and stop-and-go traffic quietly wear down critical vehicle components. Waiters emphasized how fixing small issues now reduces the risk of more expensive repairs later this autumn.

"Preventive maintenance is more than avoiding breakdown,” said Waiters. “It improves reliability, supports vehicle safety and gives drivers greater confidence on the road.”

Some regions in Canada and the US already have felt the harsh blows of early autumn storms and flooding. Make sure your vehicle can handle the change of seasons.

The October Vehicle and Visibility Performance Guide

1. Check windshield for chips and cracks

Gravel kicked up by passing vehicles, loose stones in construction zones and road debris are common causes of windshield damage during summer travel.

As temperatures begin to cool, the glass expands and contracts, allowing small chips to grow into larger cracks that eventually require a full replacement.

Inspect your windshield from both the inside and outside. If you notice a chip, even if it’s smaller than a coin, have it professionally evaluated and repaired.

2. Replace windshield wipers and replenish windshield cleaning fluid

Intense summer sun hardens and cracks windshield wiper blades. Eliminate smears and streaks this fall by changing out your vehicle’s wiper blades–including back blades for SUVs.

Ask your service advisor about the right blades for your upcoming travels. The choices are many and can dramatically affect performance.

Winter blades are designed for freezing temperatures. Some winter blades include an extra layer of protection against snow. Silicone blades provide better wear and surface sweep than their rubber counterparts. For rainy areas, consider blades with a hydrophobic coating to repel water.

3. Perform a visual check on all exterior lights

Are your taillights and headlights in good working order? Are the beams pointed in the right direction or do they look cock-eyed?

Do a vehicle walk-around and make sure all your headlights, sidelights and brake lights are working properly. Also, look for cracks in the light housings where moisture can get in and fog the lenses.

4. Check your vehicle's alignment

Vehicle alignment can shift after months of summer driving without obvious warning signs. Left uncorrected, misalignment drags your vehicle’s tires against the pavement and places extra stress on your suspension and system.

Professional inspection measures wheel angles and identifies minor alignment problems before they lead to premature tire wear.

Expert tip: Stand a few feet behind your vehicle and compare the tread across each front tire. Look for uneven tread wear, especially on the outer edges of the tire.

5. Inspect belts and hoses for heat damage

Prolonged exposure to high engine temperatures and hot road surfaces causes drive belts and coolant hoses to dry out, harden and deteriorate.

Worn drive belts may develop cracks or frayed edges, while deteriorating coolant hoses can develop soft spots, surface cracks or bulges near clamps.

If your vehicle has logged plenty of summer miles, have a qualified technician inspect drive belts and hoses and replace any components that show signs of wear.

6. Test defroster and heating system

After months of relying on your vehicle's air conditioner, concerns about the window defroster may not seem important until the first chilly morning.

Set the climate control to the defrost mode and make sure a strong stream of warm air flows across the windshield.

Test each fan speed and vent mode to ensure they're working properly. If the windshield remains fogged or takes too long to clear, have the heating and defroster systems inspected.

7. Check weather seals for signs of wear

Intense summer heat can cause the rubber weather seals around the doors, hood and trunk to harden and crack.

Check the seals for splits, tears and areas where the rubber has separated from the surface. Pay close attention to the trunk seal where even a small gap can allow water seep into the cargo area.

Inspect the hood seal for damage to ensure that it keeps water, dirt and road debris away from sensitive engine compartment components.

8. Inspect vehicle underside

Plastic splash shields are particularly vulnerable to damage from curbs and deep potholes.

Some telltale signs: Hear a rattling sound after hitting a pothole? Notice fluid spots where you park or smell exhaust fumes when starting your vehicle?

Schedule an underbody inspection as soon as possible.

Once partially detached, the flopping shield allows dirt and road debris to reach critical engine and transmission components. The loose shield poses a problem by getting snagged or tearing off completely.

Check the exhaust system for dents or loose components and inspect brake lines for corrosion that can compromise braking performance.

9. Catch up on routine maintenance

Maintenance after a busy summer prepares your vehicle for the cooler temperatures and changing driving conditions that autumn brings.

Start by checking when the engine oil was last changed and inspecting all essential fluids, topping them off or replacing them as needed. Check engine and cabin air filters and replace them if they are dirty or clogged.

Staying on top of scheduled maintenance also gives technicians the opportunity to identify developing problems before they affect your vehicle’s reliability.

10. Listen for new sounds

As driving patterns return to shorter routine trips, unusual vehicle noises become easier to notice.

Pay attention to high-pitched squeals when starting the engine or applying brakes. Do you hear rattling over bumps or humming noises that increase with vehicle speed?

These sounds can provide valuable clues about potential problems, including worn brake components, frayed drive belts, failing wheel bearings, loose suspension parts or damaged exhaust hangers.

Bonus tips for preventive maintenance

• Check tire pressure: Cooler weather can cause tire pressure to drop, check your tires regularly in fluctuating temperatures.
• Rotate your tires: A post-summer tire rotation prevents uneven tread wear and maximizes tire life.
• Clean the radiator grille: Remove insects, leaves and debris that can block airflow and reduce cooling system performance.
• Check your spare tire: Check your spare tire: Make sure it is properly inflated and in good condition so it is ready if you experience a flat.
• Replace the key fob battery: A weak battery can leave you locked out or unable to start your vehicle.
• Restock your roadside kit: Replace used supplies and add items synonymous with autumn driving conditions.
• Review your maintenance schedule: Extra summer miles may mean you are due for an oil change, tire rotation or other routine maintenance earlier than expected.