Many drivers won’t even think about getting their car ready for autumn, but as temperatures slowly drop and road conditions change, it’s important to carry out a few simple checks to make sure your car runs as smoothly and safely as possible.
Whether you’re planning on taking the family on an off-road adventure, or you’re driving through the city to work each day, prepare yourself for the challenges that autumn can bring. Follow this guide for some checks you can do yourself, or book a Toyota Service at Phil Gilbert Toyota in Sydney.
Check your tyres
Autumn in Sydney is milder compared to many other parts of the world and although we don’t experience as many showers as some places, we still need to be prepared for wet road and off-road conditions. The fact is, we should be taking care of our tyres all year round.
Make sure tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.5mm. You should also check tyre pressure once every two weeks to confirm they meet the recommended inflation pressure.
Check your brakes
The crisp air of autumn encourages more people to take road trips and explore their backyard, and more cars on the road means more potential hazards. You need to be sure you can stop quickly, so check that your brakes are in full working order.
Brake fluid should be inspected on a regular basis, and keep in mind that your brake pads wear out over time. Listen out for unusual noises or sensations when braking, and have your brakes checked by a Toyota technician to be sure you’re ready to take on the new season.
Inspect your wiper blades
Windshield wipers are often neglected, but if you’re faced with a sudden downpour, you need to know they’re operating at their maximum capacity. Ensure your view is clear by keeping the windshield clean, and replacing the blades every 6 months or so.
Check your blades (but never run them on a dry windshield) and look for the following signs: streaking, chattering, smearing, squeaking or split rubber. If you notice any of them, it’s time to change your wiper blades.
Check your lights
With darker mornings and evenings setting in, it’s even more crucial that all of your vehicle’s lights are working properly. That includes park lights, low beam, high beam, indicators, and brake and reverse lights. Park up somewhere and switch on all of these lights in turn, then do a walk around the vehicle to confirm they’re working. We recommend keeping spare bulbs with you just in case, while you’re out on the road.
Book a service at Phil Gilbert Toyota
Is your car due a professional service? The best way to make sure your Toyota is prepared for autumn is to book a service at Phil Gilbert Toyota in Sydney. We’re based in Croydon and Lidcombe, and our trained Toyota technicians make the entire process quick and smooth, to get your car running smoothly and safely.
