Fall has officially begun and October is right around the corner, National Car Care Month. Enjoy the cozy sweater weather and time around the bonfire with a problem-free car. If you don’t normally check your tires each season, it’s never too late to start! Here are ways to create a smooth transition from summer to fall with no tire problems. Let October be the best National Car Care Month you’ve had by following these really simple to do car tips.

STEP ONE: Check for any problem signs

First things first, if you have obvious signs that are catching your attention, get your tires repaired for the new season. If you’re having trouble inspecting and diagnosing the problem yourself, simply go into a local automotive repair shop. They have the tools and resources to help you find and fix your tire issues before the winter comes. Some obvious tire signs to look out for are your steering wheel pulling to one side, lots of vibration, or uneven tire tread. Some of these signs lead to simple tire balancing steps and do not cost a ton of money. If you have older tires and balancing your tires and a tire rotation doesn’t solve the issues, it may be time to upgrade.

STEP TWO: Check your tire pressure

Many times, tire issues are due to a lack of air. When seasons change, make sure you check the tire pressure of your tires and you’re spare. For every 10 degrees drop in the temperature, your tires can drop a pound of pressure. This will leave your tires not able to perform their best in the fall and winter seasons. If you are getting new tires or winter tires for this new fall season, make sure to double-check the tire pressure of those even if they are new. Checking your tire pressure is a good habit to get into, especially with drastic weather changes!

STEP THREE: Get tire rotations

Another major step to getting your tires fall-ready is to get all of your tires rotated! Why you may be wondering? If you get in the habit of rotating your tires for every new season, it will actually preserve the life of your tires! Good tire rotations will help equal out your front to rear and side to side wear rates. It will also reduce uneven tire wear and balance out your vehicle. Simple tire rotations will go a long way this fall and winter season. Check-in with your local mechanic for any further tire rotations tips and tricks.

STEP FOUR: Change out your tires

If you live in a state with lots of snow and wet, icy conditions in the wintertime, winter tires will be your new best friend! With winter tires, you have a lot more stability and safety on the road. Winter tires have superior tread patterns for the snowy roads and will help to grip nicely onto the road. Find a reliable tire shop near you to find the best winter tires for your specific vehicle. Your local mechanic should know which ones will be best for your vehicle and last you a long time.

After taking these simple steps of checking your tire pressure, getting tire rotations, and changing your tires, you should be set for driving this fall! Don’t skip out on these simple steps, as they are great preventative car care for every season. Thinking ahead will save you money and time wasted getting lengthy repairs and replacements.