Fall has a way of sneaking up on us. One week you are driving with the windows down, and the next you are scraping frost off the windshield in the morning.
That seasonal shift is also a good reminder to take care of those automotive repairs you have been putting off. If you are looking for auto repair in Manchester, NH, autumn is an ideal time to have your vehicle checked before winter weather puts additional demands on it.
You do not necessarily need to overhaul your entire vehicle before the first snowflake. Instead, focus on the repairs and maintenance items that can make the biggest difference when temperatures drop.
Check Your Tires Before the Roads Get Slick
Your tires connect you to the road, so their condition matters even more when rain, ice, and snow enter the picture. Take a look at your tread and pay attention to uneven wear. Check the tire pressure, too. Colder temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, and driving with improperly inflated tires can affect handling and tire wear.
If you have noticed vibration, pulling, or uneven tire wear, fall is a good time to have the tires and wheels inspected. An alignment issue or suspension problem may be contributing to the wear.
Suspension Problems? Don’t wait.
Your suspension does more than make the ride comfortable. It helps keep your tires in contact with the road and contributes to handling and stability. If your vehicle has started bouncing excessively, pulling to one side, or making clunking noises over bumps, it is worth having the suspension checked.
Worn shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and other components can affect how your vehicle handles. Redman’s Automotive provides suspension work and inspections as part of its full-service repair offerings.
Steering and Alignment
Potholes and rough roads can take a toll on your vehicle. Even a relatively minor impact can affect wheel alignment. A vehicle that pulls to one side or has a steering wheel that sits crooked while driving straight may need an alignment. Uneven tire wear is another clue.
Getting these issues addressed before winter can help your vehicle handle more predictably when road conditions become less forgiving.
Check Your Battery
Cold weather is tough on batteries. A battery that seems perfectly fine on a mild October morning may have a harder time starting your vehicle when temperatures plunge.
If your battery is older, your engine has been slow to start, or you have noticed dimming lights or other electrical oddities, consider having the charging system and battery checked. It is much more convenient to discover a weak battery in a repair shop than in your driveway on a freezing morning.
Take Care of Small Problems Before They Become Big Ones
That check engine light you have been ignoring? The strange noise that only happens occasionally? The fluid leak you noticed but have not investigated?
Fall is a good time to stop making excuses for those little problems.
A warning light does not automatically mean a major repair is coming. A noise may have a relatively simple explanation. The important thing is figuring out what is actually happening before the problem has a chance to get worse.
Redman’s uses diagnostic equipment to identify the source of mechanical and electrical problems rather than simply guessing at the cause.
Look at Your Exhaust, Too
Your exhaust system works year-round, but corrosion and damage can become particularly noticeable as the weather changes. Strange noises, excessive exhaust sounds, or visible damage underneath the vehicle are all reasons to have the system inspected. This is especially worth considering if you frequently drive on roads treated with salt during the winter months.
Redman’s specializes in muffler and exhaust services, including flex pipes, tailpipes, intermediate pipes, mufflers, and custom exhaust work.
A Little Fall Maintenance Can Go a Long Way
Winter in New Hampshire is hard enough without discovering an avoidable vehicle problem at the worst possible time. Taking care of tires, suspension, steering, battery concerns, exhaust problems, and other repairs during the fall gives you an opportunity to start the season with fewer surprises.
If you have been searching for auto repair in Manchester, NH, Redman’s Automotive provides complete diagnostics, maintenance, and repair services for foreign and domestic vehicles.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
Have a repair you’ve been putting off? Fall is a good time to get it checked out.
Contact Redman’s Automotive at 603-626-1400 or visit the shop at 118 Maple Street in Manchester, NH, to schedule service.
And for seasonal maintenance reminders, automotive tips, and updates from the shop, follow Redman’s on Facebook.