Preparing your car for autumn: 7 easy steps

1. Check Your Car Battery

Cooler weather can put a strain on your car battery, especially if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Testing your battery regularly is a good habit to get into.

How to Check Your Battery:

• Use a multimeter to measure your battery’s voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts.
• If your reading is below 12.4 volts, it may be time to replace your battery.

If you don’t have a multimeter, there are plenty of affordable options. A good example is the Ozito Digital Multimeter at Bunnings.

2. Inspect Your Tyres

Your tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the road – they are arguably one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Keeping them in good condition and checking them regularly is highly recommended for your safety and peace of mind.

Steps to Take:

• Check Tread Depth: Make sure your tread depth is at least 1.6mm. If it’s lower, it’s time for new tyres.
• Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks, cuts, or bulges in the rubber.
• Monitor Tyre Pressure: Cooler temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop. Refer to your owner’s manual (or the placard often found on the inside of your car door) for the recommended PSI and inflate your tyres accordingly.

3. Check Your Wipers and Washer Fluid

The change in season will often bring some wetter weather, so it’s a good time to check your windscreen wipers.

What to Do:

• Check for splits or wear in the rubber blades. If they’re not clearing your windscreen effectively, replace them.

Check and top-up your washer fluid solution if required. If you’re in a cooler part of the country, some washer fluids come with a de-icing agent, which is a good option to help you prepare for any cold mornings. This will be especially handy if your car isn’t garaged overnight.

4. Check Your Lights

Shorter days ahead and the eventual end of daylights savings in some of the eastern states means you’ll do more driving in low-light conditions.

Tips for Light Maintenance:

• Test all your headlights, brake lights, blinkers, and fog lights – make sure they are all working.
• Clean any dirt or grime off the lenses to improve visibility. If your car is older, make sure your headlights aren’t hazy or faded. If they are, consider a headlight restoration.

5. Make sure your HVAC still works

As the weather cools, your heater and defrosters become more useful, so make sure they are still in working order.

What to Check:

• Turn on your heater and ensure warm air flows effectively.
• Test your rear and front defrosters to make sure they clear your windows quickly.

6. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

A clean cabin air filter makes sure there’s good airflow inside your car and can help reduce allergens like pollen.

What to Do:

• Refer to your owner’s manual for the filter’s location.
• If it’s dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one to keep your interior air fresh and clean.

7. Book a Professional Inspection

Not into doing things yourself? A professional inspection can identify potential issues you might miss. At Leondis Automotive, we offer comprehensive checks to keep your car running smoothly.

Why Choose Leondis Automotive:

• Benefit from dealer level expertise and honest, reliable service
• Sydney’s leading automotive experts – skilled mechanics with years of experience.
• Modern workshops equipped with the latest in diagnostic software and tools
• Convenient locations across Sydney for all your maintenance needs.