FALL VEHICLE SERVICE TIPS | TORONTO, ON
The weather changing in Toronto is a good reminder that you should be checking in on your vehicle and its service needs. Consider these fall vehicle service tips as we head into the new season to keep your car in top shape year-round.
Check the battery
Hot weather can take just as much of a toll on your vehicle’s battery as cold temperatures. Because the climate can be so extreme in the summer, the battery has to work harder to maintain its power to drive the components of your car. One way to combat being stranded by a dead battery is to have it checked and, if needed, replaced. If you check under the hood yourself and notice any corrosion or loose cables, bring your vehicle to us immediately so we can get that taken care of.
Tire tread and inflation
As it rains and eventually snows in fall and winter, the tires of your vehicle will need to be in good shape to keep you safe. If the tread on the tires is worn down, they will have a harder time gripping the road. This can result in slipping or sliding on the road or losing traction on inclines. In addition to ensuring that the tread is looking good, you’ll want to check each tire’s PSI or air pressure. The proper PSI for your car’s tires can typically be found in the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Overinflated and underinflated tires can be dangerous to drive with, leading to blowouts and less traction.
Oil and other fluids
- Coolant: Helps regulate the vehicle engine during extreme weather.
- Brake: Runs through the brake lines to allow force to be applied to stop or slow the vehicle down.
- Transmission: Lubricates parts of the transmission and provides hydraulic pressure and friction so everything works well.
Not sure how to do that? Our team can help. Book a service appointment and we’ll handle the rest.
Windshield wipers
Whether it’s from the rain or just cleaning the windshield from pollen or bugs, you’ll need to check your car’s wipers as we enter the fall season. The wipers can dry out and crack or get tears in them, which means they won’t work as well. This can lead to smears across the windshield or even scratches if the rubber wears down to the metal wiper component. While you can likely handle this task on your own, our team at Downtown Toyota can also take care of this for you when you visit us and we’ll check the windshield wiper fluid as well.
Check the lights
- Headlights
- Fog lights
- Daytime Running Lights (DLR)
- Brake lights
- Any interior cabin lights or cargo area lights
HVAC Checkup
After working to keep you cool all summer, now is a good time to check on the health of your vehicle’s HVAC system. The last thing you want on the first cold day of the season is to have a broken heater blow brisk air at you when you get in your car. When you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll also check the air filter so you’re getting a clean breeze — warm or cool — every time you use the HVAC system.
Contact Us
If you ever have any questions about your vehicle or if you need to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact our Service Department or visit us at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.