Five Ways To Keep Your Fall Drive Scare-Free

The start of October means two things: you’re probably sipping a pumpkin spice coffee as you read this, and it’s officially the start of spooky season. But the scares shouldn’t start until after the family arrives at the pumpkin patch. Here are five tips to help ensure your autumn drives remain fright-free experiences.

Check Tire Pressure For Ghostly Readings

October may or may not mean the newest entry in your favorite slasher franchise just dropped – but it almost certainly means that temperatures are about to drop. Unfortunately, for every 10 degrees colder it gets, your tires run the risk of losing one PSI. Though you should always monitor and adjust your tire pressure, October is a good opportunity to start doing so more regularly. Your vehicle’s ideal tire pressure can typically be located on the driver’s side door tire placard. If you’re consistently getting low readings, consider scheduling a tire service with Steven Toyota to review your options.

Don’t Let Your Low Battery Voltage Shock You

Lower tire pressure isn’t the only deflating thing about the weather getting cooler. Your battery runs a higher risk of draining in lower temperatures, which can affect everything from your vehicle’s heating to its very ability to start. Ideally, your vehicle’s battery should be at 12.6 volts with the engine turned off, and between 13.7 and 14.7 volts with the engine running. If it’s anything less than that, contact Steven Toyota today to see if you might be in line for a possible replacement battery. Stay aware of your battery’s energy level, and leave the shock endings to M. Night Shyamalan.

Keep Your Trunk Stocked With More Than A Back-Up Costume

As people start to light their fireplaces and roads become less populated during the Fall, it’s important to stay prepared for anything you might encounter. Treat a fall drive like you would a camping trip, stocking your trunk space with a first aid kit, flashlight, and jumper cables at a bare minimum. When the forecast starts suggesting even the possibility of snow, ice scrapers and extra antifreeze become a must as well. That backup Halloween costume isn’t a bad idea either, since as we all know, no one loves their first choice.

Consider Winter Wipers For That Chill Factor

Blizzard conditions aren’t required for your windshield to freeze up. Wiper blades can ice up quickly in the autumn air, especially in the frosty hours of early morning. Consider getting a seasonal pair of rubber-equipped Toyota wiper blades that will keep your wipers active and your visibility intact during those dark evening drives. Get in the habit of adding windshield wiper fluid more frequently, and purchase a bottle of antifreeze in case your standard fluid isn’t attaining the desired effect. After all, the biggest scares are the ones we don’t see coming.

When In Doubt, Check It Out

This applies to both naive teenagers investigating every corner of an empty mansion and you when you detect anything out of the ordinary with your vehicle. In addition to the tips listed above, be sure to schedule an appointment with Steven Toyota in Harrisonburg when anything starts feeling supernatural. From brakes to batteries to oil changes, our team of professionals will make sure that this season’s scares only take place outside the walls of your vehicle.