As summer winds down, September gives Alexandria drivers an opportunity to prepare their vehicles for the months ahead.
Heat can be hard on batteries, tires, fluids, and other components. Add in heavier fall traffic and cooler temperatures, and a little preventative maintenance now can go a long way.
Ben Nielsen’s Alexandria Auto Care at 725 North Henry Street is here to help local drivers stay ready for the road.
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Check Your Battery
Hot summer temperatures can be surprisingly hard on a car battery. By the time fall arrives, a battery that was already getting weak may start showing signs of trouble.
If your car is slow to start, your lights seem dim, or your battery is several years old, having it tested now can help prevent an unexpected no-start later.
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Inspect Your Tires
Fall means changing temperatures, wet roads, and eventually colder driving conditions. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
As outside temperatures drop, tire pressure can drop too. Low tire pressure can affect handling, fuel economy, and tire wear.
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Have Your Brakes Checked
Back-to-school traffic and busier morning commutes mean more stop-and-go driving. If your brakes squeak, grind, vibrate, or simply don’t feel the way they normally do, don’t wait to have them inspected.
Your braking system is one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle.
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Check Fluids
Your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play an important role in keeping your vehicle running properly.
Low or contaminated fluids can lead to unnecessary wear and potentially expensive repairs.
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Replace Worn Wiper Blades
September can bring plenty of rain, and worn-out wiper blades can make it difficult to see clearly during a storm. If your blades streak, skip, or leave portions of the windshield untouched, replacing them is a simple way to improve visibility.
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Don’t Ignore Your Check Engine Light
If a warning light has been sitting on your dashboard all summer, now is the time to find out what is causing it.
Some problems may be minor, but others can become significantly more expensive when ignored.
If you’re driving around Old Town, commuting into DC, or simply handling your normal weekly routine, don’t let overdue maintenance become an unexpected breakdown. Schedule service with Ben Nielsen’s Alexandria Auto Care on North Henry Street.
