Autumn is one of the most important times of year to have your car checked. Roads become slippier, temperatures fall and daylight hours shorten, all of which put extra demands on your vehicle. As a local mobile mechanic in Farnborough, we come directly to your home or workplace so you can get your car seen to without the hassle of booking it into a garage.
Here are the key checks we carry out in October and why they matter heading into the colder months.
Tyres for Wet and Changing Road Conditions
Rain soaked roads in autumn dramatically reduce grip and increase stopping distances. We check tyre tread depth across all four tyres and look for signs of uneven wear, cracking or damage. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but we recommend at least 3mm going into autumn and winter. We also check and adjust tyre pressures, which naturally drop as temperatures fall and directly affect your handling and fuel efficiency.
Brakes for Safe Stopping
Braking performance becomes even more critical as road conditions deteriorate. We inspect brake pads, discs and brake fluid levels to make sure your braking system is working as it should. If your car is pulling to one side when braking, or you are hearing any grinding or squealing noises, these are warning signs that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Lights for Darker Mornings and Evenings
The clocks go back at the end of October, which means more driving in low light or complete darkness. We test all exterior lights including headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators. A faulty bulb might seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to a fixed penalty fine or a failed MOT, so it is well worth getting everything checked before the dark evenings draw in.
Battery Health
Cold weather puts extra strain on your car battery. Starting the engine requires significantly more power at low temperatures, and an ageing battery may struggle to cope. If your battery is more than three years old or your car has been slow to start recently, we can carry out a battery health check on site and advise on replacement if it is needed.
Coolant and Fluid Levels
Your coolant protects the engine from freezing in cold spells and from overheating at other times of the year. We check coolant concentration along with oil, screen wash and brake fluid levels to make sure everything is topped up and in good condition. Heading into autumn with the right fluid levels gives you peace of mind on every journey.
Book a Mobile Mechanic in Farnborough This Autumn
Getting your car ready before the colder months arrive means fewer unexpected problems and a safer drive through autumn and winter. We serve drivers across Farnborough and the surrounding areas of Hampshire, visiting your home, driveway or workplace at a time that suits you.
Contact us today to book your autumn car check with TTS Auto Engineering.
