Fall brings colorful changes to Illinois’ landscape, but it also brings new risks for drivers. Getting your car ready for this season is essential to staying secure on the roads. You can follow key checkpoints to ensure you’re prepared for the changing driving conditions.
Check and Replace Fluids
As fall approaches, Illinois can experience dramatic temperature shifts. You may need to adjust your vehicle’s fluids to ensure optimal performance in cooler temperatures. To protect your engine, use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water in your radiator. This blend prevents the radiator from freezing and potentially bursting. If your radiator fluid is frozen, it also can’t cool the engine. To keep your windshield clear on those cold fall mornings, pick a freeze-proof windshield washer fluid with antifreeze and alcohol.
As the outside temperature decreases, your engine oil thickens, forcing your engine and gearbox to work harder. This can cause slow starts and difficult gear shifts. Your vehicle’s key parts, such as the pistons and rods, might not get the oil they need to function properly when it’s very cold. To counter this, consider using a thinner oil that works well in cold.
Inspect and Maintain Your Tires
Crisp autumn air signals it’s time to check your tires. Tire pressure drops about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop, so it’s important to check them often. Be sure to physically check them rather than trusting your tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, light. Illinois weather can change fast, and properly inflated tires can help keep you safe.
Adequate tire tread plays a key role in driving safety. Although Illinois tread law indicates a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch is the minimal acceptable amount, a depth of 4/32 of an inch is considered optimal for overall safety. When tires wear past this point, it affects a car’s ability to stop. If you’re driving in fall conditions, such as a wet, leaf-covered road, and have to brake suddenly, inadequate treads might cause your vehicle to slide instead of stopping. The potential for sliding rather than stopping safely underscores the importance of regular tire condition checks.
Fall is a great time to prepare for winter by putting winter tires on your vehicle. If you live in Chicago’s hilly areas or own a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, winter tires with their specialized treads act like snow boots, providing essential grip. When you drive on bad winter roads, you’ll feel safer with winter tires.
Taking care of your tires isn’t just about following the law. It’s about keeping yourself and others safe. Before fall turns to winter, check your tire pressure and treads and put your winter tires on. These quick checks will make you and other Illinois drivers feel safer.
Test the Battery and the Electrical System
The Prairie State’s autumn weather is a sign it’s time to check your automobile’s battery and electrical parts. Temperatures can drop rapidly, which can reduce battery efficiency. When it’s cold, the battery has to work harder to start. Inspect its connections, as rusty or loose ones impede power flow. A professional can assess battery health, preventing roadside breakdowns. Consider replacing the battery if your automobile is over 3 years old.
If you’re an electric car owner, you should be aware that in extreme cold, around 5 degrees Fahrenheit, their driving range may decrease by up to 50%. Storing your electric automobile in a garage helps maintain its power and protects it from severe cold.
Examine the Brakes
A car’s brakes are crucial for safety and demand attention on Illinois roads during autumn. Damp conditions can rust and damage brake components. As autumn turns to winter, salt-covered streets might wear down these mechanisms. On slippery roads, avoid slamming the pedal and apply gentle pressure instead to maintain control.
Frigid weather can exacerbate brake issues. They may overheat due to increased pressure in icy conditions. The brake fluid can also be compromised if water enters the system. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this water could freeze. Regular maintenance helps avoid these cold-weather problems. Schedule an inspection before winter arrives to identify issues early. Staying vigilant ensures safe driving throughout the season.
Monitor the Suspension System
The suspension system functions to maintain stability and requires proper wheel alignment. Misalignment can cause excessive stress on the suspension components and potentially damage the struts and shock absorbers. Watch for signs of worn shock absorbers. If your ride feels excessively bouncy over bumps, this might indicate a problem.
Update Your Emergency Kit
With autumn’s arrival in the Prairie State, it’s time to update your on-road emergency kit. Equip your kit with essentials such as a bright light, warm blankets, and a first-aid kit. Other key emergency kit components are a jump-starter, an ice scraper, nonperishable snacks, and a power bank for your phone in case you get stranded. For added reassurance, include a small shovel and sand to free trapped wheels.
Review Your Insurance
The fall season presents an opportune moment to review your motor insurance coverage. While Illinois mandates basic coverage, it’s important to check if it’s sufficient for potential incidents. You may need to consider increasing your limits as it might provide better protection for you and your assets in worst-case scenarios.
Protect Your Car and Your Wallet With American Auto Insurance
As autumn approaches, you need to prepare for the change in driving conditions by regularly inspecting your vehicle and reviewing your insurance coverage. American Auto Insurance is committed to helping motorists with Illinois’ demanding roads. With two decades of experience, we can create customized insurance policies tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for affordable coverage or need  SR-22 papers, we can help.
Secure your peace of mind and give us a call at 773-286-3500 today! With offices throughout the state and round-the-clock support, we’ll ensure you’re prepared for autumn’s unexpected challenges.
Man Fixing Vehicle Engine by Malte Luk is licensed with Pexels License.
