Fall is officially here! The trees are changing colors, every pumpkin flavored food is back on the market, and football is in full swing. It just might be the most wonderful time of the year, right? Well maybe not so much for your car unless you do a routine check and any regular maintenance to save yourself from future headaches.

We all know long summer days are coming to an end. Before we know it, darkness will be falling shortly after you leave the office. This means you will be using your lights quite a bit more. Be sure to get all of your lights checked to help ensure they are working properly keeping you safe.

Speaking of safe, you tires will also need a thorough inspection. With the winter season just around the corner, you don’t want to risk hydroplaning on slushy roads with balding tires. Be proactive and extend the life of your tires by rotating them so you have even wear. Your car manufacturer should have a recommended tire rotation schedule. And don’t forget to do a routine check on your spare tire. You never know when you might need it!

Another important inspection would be your battery. No one wants to get stuck in a rain or snow storm with a car that won’t start. If your battery is five years or older, you may want to consider replacing it. Older batteries may not work as well with the cold temperatures, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

New windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid will also save you some stress when the storms come. Make sure your wipers are working properly and are in good shape to be able to handle the sand and salt that will be strung all over your windshield, not to mention that gunk that it leaves behind. You will want to make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid so you can keep your windshield clean and be able to fully see your surroundings. While you’re at it, be sure to check your brake fluid and antifreeze levels, too.

So what are you waiting for?  Go get these items done before the cold season hits. And remember, routine maintenance on your vehicle will make it last longer and save you the hassle of dealing with pop-up issues that could have been prevented.  

April is officially Car Care Month and after the long months of winter it’s time to prepare your car for the spring and summer months ahead. We here at CarLocate have put together a list of just a few of the maintenance checks you’ll want to look into.

- Probably one of the most important features of your car is its tires – improperly maintained tires may make driving very dangerous. Check the tread on your tires, if you notice any excessive edge wear, center wear or shoulder wear it may be time for new tires.  You’ll also want to make sure and check your tire pressure.  Improper tire pressure can lead to premature wear and a decrease in fuel mileage.

- Check your headlamps, tail lamps, turn signals, and hazard lights. Properly functioning headlamps and tail lamps play an important role in safe driving, especially at nighttime, or in rainy or foggy weather.  Ensure all lights are properly working and are in proper alignment.

- Check all fluid levels and top them off if necessary. Winter driving conditions typically require your car to work harder and therefore deplete fuel levels more quickly. Dirty or low fluid levels may affect the performance of a vehicle and can lead to breakdowns if not properly monitored and filled.

- Wiper blades take quite a beating during the winter months; it is necessary to inspect them and check to make sure they are working properly.  Properly functioning wiper blades will increase visibility in all conditions – especially those spring showers and summer storms.

- Clean your vehicles underbody.  During those winter months the buildup of salt and dirt under your vehicle can start to eat away at the metal structure of your vehicle. Make sure to thoroughly scrub and rinse all of that corrosive salt away.

- Last, but most certainly not least are your vehicles brakes.  They also take on a bigger role during the winter months and should be checked to ensure they are working properly. It’s vital to replace pads or shoes before drums or rotors become damaged. Check pads, shoes, drums, rotors, calipers, fittings, brake hardware, and parking brake to avoid potential problems.

If for some reason your vehicle didn’t survive the winter you can shop for a new or used one here.  We have an extensive list of new and used cars from many dealers in your area – check it out!

June 19th is Father’s Day…have you figured out what you’re getting your dad? Forget the boring old tie; the CarLocate Crew is here to save the day. We have put together a list of the top 6 gifts dads are sure to love.  Watch dad opens his gift on Sunday morning with a big smile...there’s no need to thank us!

1. Radar Detector. Some dads just love to cruise around in their cars and sometimes they go a little too fast. To avoid the flashing red and blue lights a radar detector is the perfect accessory for any dad who likes a little speed.

2. Wax and Polish Detailing Kit. This is the perfect gift for any dad with a car.  Everyone likes a shiny car that looks brand new.  A wax and polish kit will come with all the materials your dad will need to detail his car and get it looking like new.  An even better gift would be if you went out and did the detailing for him!

3. Back-up camera. If your dad has ever run over your bike, skateboard, or had too many close calls with the family pet this gift is the perfect one for him. A back-up camera connects wirelessly to a screen mounted just about anywhere in the car and shows a wide view of what’s behind the vehicle. No more close encounters with the family dog or a ruined bicycle.

4. Repair manual. Let’s face it, some dads insist on doing everything themselves and that includes fixing their car. If that’s your dad consider giving him a factory original repair manual. Almost any job he will want to do on the car will be covered in one of these comprehensive manuals.

5. Satellite Radio.  This is a great gift for dads who spend a lot of time in their cars. With satellite radio there are fewer commercials compared to traditional radio and 100s of channels to choose from. Whether your dad likes sports, NPR, ‘80s classics, or today’s top 40 he can find a channel dedicated to just that with satellite radio.

6. Scrolling Message License Plate Cover. This is a fun gadget to help your dad customize his ride. The cover features a lighted, scrolling message display built into the license plate frame. The frame will allow your dad to create up to 5 messages at 3 different scrolling speeds. This is definitely a fun gift your dad will really enjoy!