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There’s a snap in the air, the leaves are going to start falling soon and the days are getting shorter. It’s autumn and before you know it, it’ll be winter. Is your vehicle ready? Here’s a quick checklist.

Wipers: Even good quality windshield wipers are only good for about a year. If your wipers are starting to show signs of cracking, drying out or chipping, go ahead and replace them.

Lights: Are all your lights working? Taillights, blinkers, brake lights? How about the plastic lenses over your headlights – are they oxidized and foggy? You might want to consider a headlight restoration.

Battery and charging system: Winter weather slows down the chemical reaction in your battery which actually allows it to store and deliver energy. Fall is a good time for a battery test and an inspection of your charging system, including the alternator and belts. We'll also make sure your cables and posts are in good shape and free of corrosion.

Cooling system: Coolant, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, contains anticorrosion agents that help prevent the buildup of scale in your radiator and cooling system. Coolant still needs to be changed regularly, however, and the system flushed of contaminants. If you can’t remember the last time your coolant was changed, a technician can easily test its condition. Along with a flush, we’ll pressure-test the system to check for weak spots in your radiator and hoses, and inspect the condition of the hoses and clamps.

Oil change: We’re sure you know that conventional motor oil needs to be changed every 5,000 miles, and synthetic oil at 10-12,000 miles. It’s a good idea to get an oil change before winter…and while we’re at it, we can go ahead and change your air filter as well for best performance and fuel efficiency.

It’s also a good idea to wash and wax your vehicle, to repel road debris and rain before the weather starts turning nasty. So what kind of shape is your car or truck in, going into autumn 2016? Make an appointment with us at BIGTEX Tires and Offroad and let us get your vehicle in good shape before winter gets here!