Five Maintenance Tricks for Spooky Season

It’s officially trick-or-treat time in the Lehigh Valley – when the cooler weather can leave your vehicle susceptible to all sorts of seasonal trickery. Dead batteries, deflated tires, obstructed windshields… these are but a few of the automotive horrors waiting to jump out at you during this time of year. 

Fortunately, Allentown Kia has five tricks to help you get through Halloween and beyond. Together, they add up to an inexpensive treat for your vehicle. 

Make Washing Your Vehicle a Regular Habit 

During these dry autumn months, regularly cleaning your car provides more than just surface-level benefits. Dirt, grime, and other foreign substances form a ghastly combination capable of damaging more than just your pain. If left unaddressed, they can begin to corrode vulnerable areas of your vehicle, such as the undercarriage. A normal cleaning schedule can help keep these unwanted materials from (literally) slipping through your cracks. 

Get into the habit of washing your car regularly during the fall – but don’t limit these cleanings to your vehicle’s exterior. Get under the hood and check your engine and battery for any signs of corrosion. In the cabin, protect your floor mats with a protector spray or clear vinyl covering, as the buildup of too much seasonal gunk can wear them out quickly. Vacuum your mats every time you get your car washed, and thoroughly scrub any particularly grimy areas with soapy water. After all, your passengers shouldn’t be afraid when they step inside your vehicle – let’s leave that to the horror movies. 

Tread Lightly 

Whenever they’re not essential to your trip, consider reducing the number of items you keep in your vehicle’s storage space. When you transport large, heavy items, you put an excessive strain on your tires and thus your tire pressure. This will eventually lead to fuel inefficiency – even if you drive a vehicle as spacious and cargo-capable as the 2025 Telluride. (Remember that your air pressure already depletes more rapidly in winter, with each ten-degree drop in temperature equaling a potential loss of one PSI unit.)

Of course, you’ll want to keep certain essentials on-hand year-round: a first-aid kit, antifreeze, and jumper cables, just to name a few. But this winter, consider that the trunk of your car might not be the ideal storage space for your air conditioner. 

Stay Hydrated 

As humans, we understand the basic connection between drinking plenty of water and… you know, staying alive. But your vehicle needs just as much hydration to sustain itself over the course of its lifespan, and you should take steps to ensure it’s never left high and dry.

All essential fluids – engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid – should be checked and topped off monthly. You’ll also want to make a point of keeping your windshield fluid well-stocked, especially if you’re embarking on a long holiday or if winter weather appears imminent. Speaking of winter weather… 

Change Your Blades 

Maintaining clear and unencumbered visibility should be a top priority throughout the winter. During low-maintenance summer days, we forget just how abysmal our windshields can become the moment cooler weather settles in. Don’t let the mixture of a sudden snow squall and ineffective wiper blades catch you off-guard. 

Even if your blades are still functioning capably at the start of the season, the cooler weather will eventually cause them to start corroding. Check the rubber strips on the blades and wipe them down. Remove branches, leaves, and other autumnal debris from the windshield area. Your wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months – so why not make Halloween your annual reminder to do so? 

Schedule Your Fall Maintenance with Allentown Kia 

Why stop at replacing your wiper blades? This is an ideal time of year to make a full service appointment at Allentown Kia. With the help of our professional technicians, you can avoid any potential mechanical mischief this Halloween. 

From tire replacement to parts and accessories, Allentown Kia is your go-to destination for all fall maintenance. And with our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles, every trip to Allentown Kia is a treat of its own.