Fall Car Prep: Getting Ready for Cooler Weather in Memphis

Fall weather in Memphis can surprise you. One day it’s 80 degrees, the next it’s 50. These temperature swings are tough on your car.

Getting your car ready for fall weather helps prevent problems during the busy holiday season. Nobody wants car trouble on the way to Thanksgiving dinner.

Why Fall Maintenance Matters

Fall is the perfect time to fix summer damage and prepare for cooler months. Your car worked hard during Memphis’s hot summer. Now it needs some attention.

Plus, fall maintenance now means fewer problems when winter arrives. A little work today saves money and headaches later.

Check Your Heating System

You probably haven’t used your heater since March. Make sure it works before you need it on a cold morning.

Test your heater now:

• Start your car and let it warm up
• Turn heat to maximum
• Check that warm air comes from all vents
• Make sure the fan works on all speeds

If your heater blows cold air, you might have a problem with your thermostat or heater core.

Lights and Visibility

Daylight hours get shorter in fall. You’ll use your lights more often, especially during evening rush hour in Memphis.

Check all your lights:

• Headlights (both low and high beam)
• Tail lights and brake lights
• Turn signals and hazard lights
• Interior lights

Also, check your windshield wipers. Summer sun can make the rubber crack. Fall rain on bad wipers makes driving dangerous.

Prepare for Temperature Changes

Cool mornings and warm afternoons make your car work harder. Your engine, battery, and fluids all react to temperature changes.

Watch for these fall issues:

• Battery struggles in cold weather
• Oil gets thicker when it’s cold
• Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall
• Belts and hoses can crack from temperature swings

Don’t Forget About Leaves

Memphis has beautiful fall trees, but falling leaves can cause car problems.

Leaf-related issues:

• Leaves clog your air filter
• Wet leaves make roads slippery
• Leaves block drainage holes in your car
• Piles of leaves can hide potholes

Clean leaves off your car regularly. They can scratch your paint and clog important vents.

Fall Driving Tips for Memphis

Be ready for wet roads

• Fall rains can make roads slick
• Watch for leaves covering lane markers
• Give yourself extra stopping distance

Prepare for temperature swings

• Keep a light jacket in your car
• Your car might need different fluids as it gets colder
• Watch your tire pressure as temperatures drop

Get Ready for Holiday Travel

Fall leads into the busy holiday season. If you’re planning to visit family or take a trip, make sure your car is ready.

Pre-trip checklist:

• Check tire tread and pressure
• Test battery strength
• Make sure all lights work
• Check fluid levels
• Listen for strange noises

Don’t let car trouble ruin your holiday plans.

Why Professional Fall Service Makes Sense

A mechanic can catch problems you might miss. Fall is a great time for a complete check-up.

Professional service includes checking systems you can’t easily see. Things like your exhaust system, suspension, and brakes need expert attention.

Fall Into Good Car Care Habits

Fall weather in Germantown, Collierville, and Memphis can change fast. Being prepared keeps you safe and saves money.

Small problems found in fall are cheaper to fix than major repairs in winter. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind during the holiday season.

Archer’s Auto Care: Your Fall Car Care Partner

Since 1981, we’ve helped Memphis area drivers prepare their cars for changing seasons. We know what fall weather does to vehicles in Tennessee.

Our experienced team checks everything from headlights to heater cores. We catch small problems before they become big expenses.

Fall into good car care habits. Call (901) 362-8863 or visit us at 4471 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38141.

We proudly serve Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Cordova with quality service and fair prices.

Our 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty covers our work so you can drive with confidence.

Don’t let fall weather catch you off guard. Schedule your fall car care appointment today.