Burbank’s Summer-to-Fall Shift Is Closer Than You Think
In Burbank, August is still sunny with beach-like weather and traffic. However, fall is approaching soon. Although it's technically summer on the calendar, your car will start to notice changes, such as increased school commutes and shorter days. So now's a great time for some quick maintenance before autumn arrives unexpectedly.
As the season changes, it's a good idea to conduct a quick check-up on your car, whether you've been traveling, dropping off kids at school, or just commuting to work. This simple step can help avoid bigger problems later and keep your car running smoothly into fall without any hassle.
Start with What Summer Took Out of Your Car
Let's face it, summer can be tough on your car. Long drives, hot roads, heavy A/C use, and stop-and-go traffic in LA County take a toll on vehicles.
It's a good time to inspect for any damage before it becomes major repairs. Listen and feel how your car is working. Is the A/C as strong as it was in June? Do you hear new squeaks or feel vibrations when braking, turning, or speeding up? Are there any new warning lights on the dashboard?
Taking a moment to check things yourself and asking for advice when necessary can help prevent unexpected problems as the busy fall season starts.
Check Your Tires Before the Weather Cools Down
Tires work hard during summer driving, but often don't get much credit. In Burbank, they deal with hot roads, high-speed highways, and winding canyon routes for months at a time. Even if tires appear fine on the outside, they may be worn out on the inside.
Check your tire tread for any uneven wear. If you haven't rotated them recently, it's a good time to do it now. Rotating the tires ensures they all wear out evenly, which improves handling, especially when roads become slippery from fall rain.
Make sure to check your tire pressure. Hot weather causes air to expand, while cold weather causes it to contract, so the perfect pressure you had in July might be too low now. Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps save fuel, prolongs tire life, and ensures a smooth ride.
Don’t Let Old Fluids Ruin a New Season
Your car requires clean fluids, such as motor oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, to function properly. In the summer, driving can cause these fluids to break down more quickly due to the heat, which may lead to overheating or damage inside your car and affect its performance.
August is a good time to check your car fluids or book a fluid service. If you changed the oil at the start of summer or before a long drive, it’s likely time for another oil change. Also, remember to check the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid, as well as the liquid that cleans your windshield. It's essential to have clear visibility during dusty commutes or foggy mornings as fall traffic increases.
It's important to check the coolant in your car. It prevents the engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter, so ensuring it has enough coolant and is working properly now will prepare your car for the cooler nights ahead.
Clean Out the Summer Clutter
Cars tend to gather things from summer, such as beach sand, road trip receipts, empty drink bottles from quick stops, and who knows what else that ends up under the seat.
It's a great time to tidy up. Clean the surfaces, vacuum the floors, and remove anything unnecessary from your car before fall arrives. A clutter-free car not only feels better but also makes it easier to find things during busy mornings or late-night drives.
Consider keeping a light hoodie, a reusable water bottle, or an umbrella in the trunk as well. Fall weather in Burbank is usually mild but can sometimes bring early rain or cool canyon breezes that catch you off guard.
Lights and Wipers: Small Fixes That Make a Big Difference
As the days get shorter and you drive more in low light or at night, your headlights become really important. Check that they are clear (not foggy or yellow), ensure your taillights work, and verify that all turn signals and brake lights function properly.
Now is a good time to inspect your windshield wipers and consider replacing them if necessary. In Southern California, people often forget about their wiper blades until the rain comes and they make noise on the glass. If your wipers are leaving streaks or peeling at the edges, it's time to replace them.
It's easy to do, and it can help you avoid visibility problems when the weather changes.
Battery Check: Don’t Let Heat Deceive You
Burbank summers can be tough on car batteries, even though people often think winter is worse. Heat actually weakens the batteries by causing the battery fluid to evaporate and corrosion to occur more quickly. This makes your car more likely to have a dead battery when you really don't want it, such as during a morning drive or a weekend getaway.
If your battery is over two or three years old, it's a good idea to check its remaining strength. Even if your car starts without issues, small signs, such as a slow engine start-up, dim lights, or problems with power accessories, might indicate that the battery is weakening.
Checking your battery now may help prevent you from needing roadside assistance later.
Prep Your Transmission and Drivetrain for Fall Traffic
With fall comes more traffic, school drop-offs, after-school commutes, and weekend trips. Your car's transmission and drivetrain will be working harder than usual, so they need to be in good shape.
If you feel your car shifting roughly, gears slipping, or hesitating when speeding up, pay attention. These could mean low fluid levels or early transmission issues. It's more cost-effective to address these issues now rather than facing a more significant breakdown later.
Even if your vehicle appears to be functioning properly, regularly checking the transmission fluid and drivetrain is essential. This helps keep it running smoothly and reliably, especially when it's used a lot.
Beat the Fall Rush Before It Starts
End-of-summer car maintenance isn't just about fixing problems; it's also about preparing for the future. Doing a few quick checks now can help avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure your drive remains smooth, dependable, and hassle-free.
Before you dive into back-to-school schedules or finish your end-of-summer tasks, remember to give some attention to your car. Whether it's rotating tires, checking fluids, or simply cleaning the cup holders, a small effort can make a big difference.
Your car has helped you all summer, now it's time to take care of it before fall comes.
When seeking professional assistance, contact us at Future Auto Service regarding any of your vehicle maintenance needs in Burbank, CA, and neighboring areas. We stand by our work and provide a nationwide 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. Our facility is AAA-certified, and we have ASE-certified technicians. We can be found at 820 S Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502, and available via phone at (818) 239-7201. We hope to be there for you and become a staple in your vehicle’s life.