With the beautiful fall colors we enjoy in the Mid-Atlantic often comes quite a bit of rain. Most drivers know that driving in the rain can be challenging and requires extra attention to hazards like hydroplaning. However, it’s also important to check several interior and exterior vehicle components when the seasons change and have a professional auto repair expert ensure your car is in optimal condition for fall driving conditions.
Brakes
It’s crucial that your braking system is always in excellent condition, regardless of season. But during the colder, wetter fall months, it’s more important than ever for your safety to ensure your brakes provide full stopping power, especially when driving on wet or slippery roads or during a hydroplane.
Listen for unusual noises such as grinding or squealing brakes, which may indicate worn brake pads or rotors. You may be able to visually inspect your brake pads through the wheel spokes. If the pad thickness is less than ¼ inch, it’s time for a brake pad replacement.
Some vehicles are equipped with a brake wear indicator light on the dashboard. If you haven’t had a brake inspection or brake service recently, fall is an ideal time to do so to prepare for rainy, snowy, or icy road conditions.
Heat
Nobody wants to get stuck in the cold weather without heat in their car. Beyond it being uncomfortable, it’s important that your defroster works in order to clear a fogged-up windshield, which can make it difficult to see. This is common as the weather grows colder, so its important to make sure your car’s heat is working normally. If your car heater is doing something unusual, like blowing cold air or not operating at all, it might be due to:
- Lack of coolant in the engine
- Heater core problems
- Water leaks
- Thermostat dysfunction
- Broken or clogged heating controls
If you are not comfortable checking these things yourself, have a professional auto mechanic take a look and perform a heater inspection for you.
Floor Mats
This may not seem like an important concern, but all-weather floor mats are a good investment to protect your car’s interior against snow, dirt, water, leaves, and grime, which are especially prevalent during the fall. They are more easily cleaned than your car’s flooring and can be used in any season. Leaves can do more than just make your floor dirty- they can actually get into your air filter and clog drains, which can cause serious damage. It’s inevitable during this time of year that you and your family are going to be tracking leaves and dirt in with your shoes, so preparing for this by outfitting your car with durable mats is a good way to protect your interior.
Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Replacing your cars fluids is a good habit to get into at the start of any season. Fluids to check include:
- Windshield wiper
- Transmission
- Brake
- Coolant
- Power steering
All of these fluids are integral to the healthy functioning of your car. For example, power steering fluid keeps your vehicle operating, while brake fluid prevents corrosion and coolant regulates your engine’s temperature. During the fall, it’s especially important to make sure to replenish your windshield wiper fluid. If you haven’t replaced your windshield wipers in a while, a great time to do so is just before the rainy fall season. Windshield wipers need to be replaced every 6 months to one year, as old wipers make less contact with the windshield and therefore aren’t as efficient at clearing it for safe driving. If your wipers are smearing moisture on the windshield and making it harder to see, they probably need to be replaced.
Tires
It’s important to keep your tires in good shape, and they’ve probably being working overtime during the hot summer season. They may have become degraded from the heat and friction with the road over the last few months, and probably need to be placed if they haven’t been in a long time. Now is a good time to check the tread, inflation, and overall condition of your tires. You’ll also want to have a mechanic rotate them and make sure they have the proper amount of air. This is extremely important during the fall, as cold weather can cause tires to lose air quickly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or sleet, consult with an auto repair specialist as to whether you should invest in snow tires.
You’ll also want to make sure your tires are in optimal shape due to the increased risk of hydroplaning that comes with the rainy fall season. Hydroplaning occurs when a car’s tires lose all traction due to water on the road. Rain can mix with oil residue on the road, causing the surface of the road to become slippery and tires to lift off and become difficult to control. Even sliding on slippery piles of leaves that accumulate on the road can be dangerous. Tread depth, pressure, and pattern affect the possibility of hydroplaning, so make sure an auto expert inspects your tires before the start of the season.
Lights
Your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are essential safety features, particularly as daylight hours shorten and weather conditions worsen.
If headlights appear foggy or hazy, headlight restoration or polishing can significantly improve visibility. Properly functioning exterior lights help ensure other drivers can see you clearly during rainy, foggy, or dark fall conditions.
Paint
Fall weather can be tough on your vehicle’s exterior. Leaves often contain sap, pollen, and acidic residue that can damage paint if left too long. Waxing your car provides a protective barrier against moisture, debris, and seasonal contaminants.
Regular car washing and exterior waxing during the fall helps preserve your paint and protect your vehicle from long-term damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is fall car maintenance important in Towson, Maryland?
Fall car maintenance is especially important in Towson, MD, because the Mid-Atlantic experiences increased rain, falling leaves, and rapidly changing temperatures. These conditions can affect brakes, tires, windshield wipers, heating systems, and visibility, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and accidents. Scheduling preventive auto maintenance in Towson helps ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable before winter weather arrives.
What car maintenance services should I get in the fall?
Drivers in Towson should consider a fall vehicle inspection that includes:
- Brake inspection and brake pad replacement
- Tire inspection, rotation, and air pressure check
- Windshield wiper replacement and washer fluid refill
- Heating and defroster system inspection
- Fluid checks (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid)
- Battery and charging system test
A local Towson auto repair shop can perform these services in one visit to prepare your car for fall and winter driving.
How do I know if my brakes need service before winter?
If you hear grinding, squealing, or scraping noises, feel vibrations when braking, or notice longer stopping distances, you may need brake service in Towson, MD. Wet roads during fall increase stopping distance, making properly functioning brakes critical. A professional brake inspection can identify worn brake pads or rotors before they become a safety issue.
Can worn tires increase the risk of hydroplaning?
Yes. Worn or improperly inflated tires significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning, especially during heavy fall rain in Towson. Tires with low tread depth cannot channel water away effectively, reducing traction. A tire inspection at a Towson mechanic ensures your tires have proper tread, pressure, and alignment to handle wet road conditions safely.
How often should windshield wipers be replaced?
Windshield wipers should typically be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if they streak, smear, or make noise. In fall, frequent rain makes proper windshield visibility essential. A Towson auto repair shop can quickly replace worn wipers and top off washer fluid during a routine service visit.
Why is my car heater and defroster important in the fall?
Your car’s heating and defrosting system is critical for both comfort and safety. A working defroster clears fog and condensation from your windshield during cold, wet mornings common in Towson, MD. If your heater blows cold air or doesn’t work consistently, schedule a heater inspection with a local mechanic before temperatures drop further.
Contact Us
If you’re in the Baltimore area, contact Hollenshade’s at 410-421-7526 or fill out a quick form to consult a Maryland auto repair expert and make sure your car is performing safely in time for the fall weather.