Preparing your Toyota for Fall

As sad as it may be to admit it, summer is just about over, which means that it is time to ensure that your Toyota is ready for fall and those more challenging driving conditions ahead. For best results, start by keeping the following tips in mind.

Wash every inch

Unless you wash your ride regularly (and you should!) by the end of summer it will likely have accumulated a decent amount of dirt, gunk, and grime, which, if left alone, can dramatically increase the chance of rust forming and spreading throughout your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, take your time and wash the entire exterior of your vehicle, including all those hard to reach places, as this is where rust is most likely to develop.

Deal with rust

If you come across any rust spots, or even potential signs of rust (such as bulging, blistering, or bubbling) have an expert take a look and deal with any issues before they get worse. Even a small patch of rust can quickly turn into a larger and more expensive problem, particularly with all that cold and wet weather ahead.

Replace your wipers

Fall typically brings with it a decent amount of rain, so if it has been more than 12 months since you last replaced your windshield wipers, do so now. Unless your wipers are straight, sturdy, and fit snuggly against your windshield you risk being blinded by one of those classic heavy fall downpours. Thankfully, this simple upgrade is fast, cheap, and easy to do yourself and you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to do so in your Vehicle Owner’s Manual.

Update your Emergency Road Kit

Every vehicle needs to have a well-stocked Emergency Road Kit on board at all times, so if yours doesn’t consider this your cue to invest in one ASAP. If you have a kit already, do yourself a favour and add a few extras items that are specifically designed to deal with cold, wet, and dark conditions now. For example, make sure that you have rain protection; a working headlamp or flashlight; extra socks, gloves, and sweaters; waterproof matches; and hand/feet warmers.

Switch your tires

As soon as the temperatures are consistently below 7°C where you live it is time to switch back over to your winter tires, because as the temperatures drop that summer rubber will harden, reducing your ride’s ability to maintain traction with the road. When making your tire switch, it is always best to do so sooner rather than later, as this way you’ll reduce the risk of getting caught out in winter conditions with your summer tires still on.

Finding your perfect vehicle is easy here at Funk’s Toyota, where you’ll find one of Canada’s biggest selections of high quality new and used vehicles. We also offer flexible financing, our team of experts are knowledgeable and friendly, and if you want to trade-in your current ride you won’t get a better deal anywhere else. Simply give us a call, get in touch online, or come by and see us in person here in Steinbach today.