Fall Maintenance Checklist for Pre-Owned Cars in Chicago

When the weather starts dropping in Chicago, your car feels it too. Cold air, road salt, and unpredictable temps can hit hard—especially if you’re driving a pre-owned vehicle. A little prep now can save you from expensive repairs later. Here’s what to focus on before winter rolls in.

1. Check Your Battery

Cold weather drains battery power fast. If yours is more than three years old, get it tested. Make sure the terminals are clean and the connections are tight. Nothing ruins a morning like a dead battery in 20-degree weather.

2. Inspect Your Tires

You’ll need proper traction once roads get slick. Check tread depth and look for uneven wear. Consider switching to winter or all-weather tires if you do a lot of driving around Chicagoland. And don’t forget to check tire pressure—it drops as temperatures fall.

3. Replace Wiper Blades and Top Off Washer Fluid

Visibility is everything when rain turns to sleet. If your wipers streak or chatter, replace them. Keep your washer fluid full and use one rated for freezing temperatures.

4. Test Your Heater and Defroster

Make sure the cabin warms up quickly and that your defroster clears the windshield properly. If not, it could point to a coolant or thermostat issue—better to fix it now than in January.

5. Inspect Brakes

Listen for grinding or squeaking. Chicago’s stop-and-go traffic and wet roads demand solid braking performance. Have a shop check the pads, rotors, and brake fluid level.

6. Check All Fluids

Oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid—all play a role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Cold weather thickens fluids, so make sure everything’s clean and filled to the proper levels.

7. Look Over Belts and Hoses

Rubber components can crack as temperatures drop. A quick visual inspection can catch worn or brittle belts and hoses before they fail.

8. Protect Your Paint and Undercarriage

Salt and slush can eat away at metal and paint. A good wash and wax before winter helps protect your finish. Consider an undercarriage wash to remove summer grime and prevent rust.

9. Check Lights Inside and Out

Shorter days mean you’ll rely on your headlights more. Make sure all exterior lights work, and clean cloudy lenses for maximum brightness.

10. Stock an Emergency Kit

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just practical. Jumper cables, a flashlight, blanket, gloves, a small shovel, and a few energy bars can make a huge difference if you’re stuck in a storm.