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While you are busy watching the leaves turn, watching your favorite football team, or getting the kids back to school the folks at Don Duncan's All American Auto &Tire Centers are busy getting local vehicles ready to tackle fall weather and the inevitable winter temperatures that follow. If you haven't given a lot of thought to seasonal fall maintenance for your car; consider these suggested routine procedures to help ensure your car will get you safely and reliably through this time of year.

Tire Maintenance - Falling temperatures mean lower tire pressure, so make sure to check your tire pressure with every other fuel-up and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. This is found on the information plate inside your driver door opening. Make sure to bring your vehicle in for a tire inspection, and get them rotated and balanced if it has been more than 6,000 miles since your last rotation.

Cooling System Check - Your engine coolant is also anti-freeze, protecting your engine block from getting damaged in sub-freezing weather. Before that first frost, have your system checked for leaks and proper function. While you are here our techs will test your coolant to make sure it is ready for freezing weather.

Wipers and Lights - Autumn in Alabama means fog and frosty windshields. A new set of wiper blades is cheap insurance against losing visibility. Make sure your headlights are working properly and are adjusted to light up the road. Peripheral and auxiliary lights help other drivers see you in low visibility situations. If your headlight lenses look hazy or yellow have Don Duncan's All American Auto &Tire Centers restore them for better visibility.

Climate Control Check - Soon it will be time to use your interior heater. Make sure it is working before you need it. Your air conditioning is important too. Not only does it cool you down on hot days, it removes moisture from your glass and is a key to proper defogging.  Remember, never use your max A/C or recirculate function with the heater as this traps moisture inside the car and puts it on the inside of your windshield.  At home keep the air intake vents at the base of your windshield, right at the back of your hood, clear from leaves and fall debris that can keep fresh air from passing into your passenger cabin.

Brake Inspection - Anytime is a great time to have your brakes checked but fall brings higher traffic and more kids near the road as school gets back in session. Wildlife is also on the move in the fall and is more likely to cross your path. With more reasons to stop in a hurry, it's a good idea to make sure your brakes are ready to do their job.

Don Duncan's All American Auto &Tire Centers encourages you to stop by one of our convenient mid-state Alabama stores for of your fall maintenance needs.  Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your car, truck, SUV, minivan or commercial vehicle and get your vehicle ready to take you smoothly through the season.