7 Things to Check on Your Car Before the Weather Gets Colder

Cold weather has a way of finding the little problems your car has been hiding all summer. A weak battery, worn tires, or low fluids might not seem like a big deal on a warm September afternoon, but they can become a much bigger headache once Missouri temperatures start dropping.

Before colder weather arrives in St. Louis and across Missouri, give your vehicle a quick seasonal checkup. Here are 7 things every driver should check before fall turns into winter.

1. Check Your Tire Tread and Pressure

Your tires are one of the most important things to check before colder weather arrives. As temperatures fall, tire pressure can decrease, which can affect handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.

Take a look at your tread depth, check for uneven wear, and make sure each tire is properly inflated. Good traction becomes even more important when Missouri roads are wet, icy, or covered with leaves.

2. Have Your Battery Tested

Cold weather can be tough on an aging or weak battery. If your vehicle has been taking longer than usual to start, your lights seem dim, or you can't remember the last time the battery was replaced, now is a good time to have it checked.

It’s much better to find out you need a new battery in your driveway than when you're trying to leave for work on a freezing morning.

3. Inspect Your Windshield Wipers

Clear visibility is essential during fall rain and eventually snow, sleet, and freezing weather.

If your wipers leave streaks, make noise, skip across the windshield, or don't clear the entire surface, consider replacing them before colder weather arrives.

While you're at it, top off your windshield washer fluid and make sure you're using a product appropriate for colder temperatures.

4. Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze

Your vehicle's cooling system isn't just important during hot summer weather. Coolant and antifreeze also help protect your engine when temperatures fall.

Check the coolant level and look for signs of leaks. If you aren't sure when your cooling system was last serviced, consider having it inspected before winter.

5. Test Your Heater and Defroster

Don't wait for the first freezing morning to discover your heater isn't working properly.

Turn on the heat and make sure warm air is coming through the vents. Test your front and rear defrosters, too. A working defroster helps keep your windows clear when condensation, frost, or ice begins affecting visibility.

6. Check Your Brakes

Fall and winter can mean slicker roads and longer stopping distances, making properly functioning brakes especially important.

Pay attention to squeaking, grinding, vibrations, or changes in how your brake pedal feels. If something doesn't seem right, have your brakes inspected before colder weather and winter driving conditions arrive.

7. Check Your Lights

With the days getting shorter, you'll probably be using your headlights more often.

Walk around your vehicle and check your headlights, high beams, brake lights, turn signals, taillights, and hazard lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs and clean cloudy or dirty lenses to help improve visibility.

Is Your Car Ready for Another Missouri Winter?

Sometimes checking your vehicle for the colder months reveals more than a few maintenance items.

If you're facing frequent repairs, high mileage, reliability problems, or you're simply ready for something newer, it might be time to consider whether putting more money into your current vehicle makes sense.

At 5 Star Auto Plaza, we offer a variety of quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs along with car financing options for many different credit situations.

Whether you're searching for an affordable daily driver, cars under $20K, a family SUV, or a pickup truck, you can start your car shopping online.

🚗 Shop Our Current Inventory

See what's available today at:

5starcar.com/inventory

Inventory changes regularly, so check back often or come see the team at 5 Star Auto Plaza to explore your options before the colder weather arrives.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and make sure your vehicle is ready for another Missouri fall and winter!

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