As Summer ends and Fall begins, you want to take a look at several things with your car before the weather gets too cold. Some of these things are basic and can be done at a local parts store and some of these things you might need a mechanic to check, maybe at your next oil change.
Wipers and Fluid are something to get replaced and filled up before you start getting into sleet and snow. That is no time to not be able to see well. And do not add water to your wiper fluid as it could freeze.
Next look closely at your tire treads. If they are worn too far down it is time to get new tires before the slick roads pose a bigger risk. Shopping around in local tire stores before you need to rush and find replacement tires will help you get the best price.
Next consider having your battery tested. Once it gets cold you may find a marginal battery is no longer turning over the car and you are stuck someplace and cannot get the car started. Last year we had a fairly new car not able to start because one cell of the battery was bad. This was odd as we knew a newer car should not have a battery issue that early but it was important to figure out the issue and replace it because we got stranded several times.
Heating is also something to take a look at. Once you start using the heater again, there are a number of things that can go wrong and make the heating less efficient or even overheat the car. At the very least make sure if you have had your radiator flushed and it has the proper level of coolant if it is time for that.
Check all of your lights as well. If you are going to replace burned out lights yourself it is a lot more pleasant to do it in 50 degree weather than 30 degree weather. Might as well do it now.
Lastly, a common issue is brakes. If your brakes are worn and you have not replaced the brake pads yet, it will only be worse as the road conditions get worse. It is important that you can stop well and that everything has been checked out.