As summer winds down and the cooler months begin to roll in, your car deserves a little extra attention. End of summer car maintenance is often overlooked, but it plays a huge role in keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient for the rest of the year. The heat, long road trips, and fluctuating weather that come with Ontario summers can leave their mark on your vehicle. That’s why September is the perfect time to give your car a full checkup.
At Dial A Tire in Waterloo, Ontario, our technicians often see vehicles that could have avoided expensive repairs with just a bit of proactive care. Here are the essential end of summer car maintenance tips every driver should follow before fall officially arrives.
1. Check Your Tires for Wear and Tear
Your tires work overtime during summer. Long drives, hot pavement, and heavy loads can all speed up tire wear. Before the cooler months hit, take time to inspect:
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Tread depth: Place a Canadian quarter into the tread groove. If you can see the top of the caribou’s nose, it’s time for new tires.
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Cracks and bulges: Heat can cause the rubber to expand, making tires more prone to cracks or weak spots.
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Air pressure: Temperature changes affect tire pressure. Make sure all four tires (plus your spare) are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
At Dial A Tire, we carry a wide selection of affordable, high-quality tires and can rotate, balance, or replace them to ensure your vehicle grips the road properly in fall’s unpredictable weather.
2. Give Your Brakes a Full Inspection
Ontario summers can be tough on brakes, especially if you’ve taken road trips to cottage country or through stop and go traffic in Waterloo Region. Listen for squealing, grinding, or longer stopping distances—these are red flags that your brakes need attention.
A brake inspection at the end of summer includes:
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Checking brake pads and rotors for wear
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Inspecting brake fluid levels and quality
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Testing braking response for safety
Catching small issues now can prevent costly repairs later, especially as wet fall weather increases your stopping distance.
3. Get an Oil Change (If You Haven’t Already)
If you’ve been putting off your oil change, the end of summer is the perfect time to get it done. Hot weather, short city drives, and long road trips all put extra strain on your engine oil. Old, dirty oil can’t lubricate the engine properly, which increases wear and decreases fuel efficiency.
At Dial A Tire, we recommend sticking to your vehicle’s oil change schedule (usually every 5,000–8,000 km, depending on your car). Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly, reduces emissions, and improves performance heading into the cooler months.
4. Test Your Battery
Extreme summer heat can be just as tough on your car battery as winter cold. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which can shorten its lifespan. If your car has been slow to start or you notice dimming headlights, your battery may be weakening.
Signs your battery may need testing or replacing:
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Corrosion around the terminals
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Swelling or bloating of the battery case
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A battery that’s more than 3 years old
Our technicians can test your battery quickly and let you know whether you’re good to go or if it’s time for a replacement.
5. Clean and Replace Your Air Filters
Air filters often get clogged with pollen, dust, and debris over the summer months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces fuel efficiency, and makes your air conditioning system work harder.
At the end of summer, check both your engine air filter and cabin air filter:
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Engine air filter: Keeps dirt and debris from entering the engine.
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Cabin air filter: Ensures clean air inside your vehicle and keeps your HVAC system running smoothly.
Replacing filters is a quick, inexpensive fix that makes a noticeable difference in your car’s performance and your comfort.
6. Inspect Your Cooling System
Your cooling system works hardest during the summer heat, and it’s essential for preventing engine overheating. As temperatures cool, it’s a good idea to check your coolant levels and radiator hoses.
Key things to look for:
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Cracks, leaks, or swelling in hoses
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Low coolant levels or dirty coolant
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Any sweet-smelling odors, which can signal a coolant leak
Having your cooling system flushed or topped up at the end of summer ensures your engine is ready for colder temperatures.
7. Pay Attention to Your Wiper Blades
After months of sun exposure, wiper blades often become brittle and streaky. The end of summer is a smart time to replace them, especially before Waterloo’s rainy fall weather arrives.
Signs you need new wipers:
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Streaks or smears on the windshield
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Skipping or squeaking sounds
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Cracks or missing chunks of rubber
Clear visibility is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road, and fresh wiper blades make all the difference.
8. Wash Away Summer Dirt and Grime
Summer road trips can leave behind more than memories—your car’s exterior and undercarriage often collect dirt, dust, and even road salt from construction sites. If left untreated, this buildup can cause corrosion.
Give your vehicle a thorough end-of-summer wash, paying attention to:
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Wheel wells
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Undercarriage
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Windows and mirrors
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Interior surfaces that collected sunscreen, dust, or food spills
A fresh detailing not only makes your car look great, but also helps protect it heading into harsher fall and winter conditions.
9. Top Off Fluids
Beyond oil and coolant, your vehicle relies on several other fluids to run properly:
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Transmission fluid
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Brake fluid
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Power steering fluid
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Windshield washer fluid
Summer driving can deplete these fluids more quickly. Checking and topping them off now means fewer surprises on the road.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even if you’re comfortable doing some of these checks yourself, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes from having a professional technician look over your vehicle. At Dial A Tire in Waterloo, we offer comprehensive inspections to ensure everything from your suspension to your exhaust system is in top shape.
An end-of-summer inspection can uncover small problems before they become major repairs, saving you time, money, and stress down the road.
Why End of Summer Maintenance Matters
Many drivers wait until the first snowfall to prepare their vehicles, but by then, it’s often too late. Taking care of end-of-summer maintenance offers several benefits:
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Improved safety: Better braking, traction, and visibility.
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Extended vehicle lifespan: Preventing wear before it worsens.
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Cost savings: Addressing minor issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
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Peace of mind: Confidence that your car is ready for fall and winter.
Taking the time to do end of summer car maintenance is one of the smartest things you can do for your vehicle. By checking your tires, brakes, fluids, and more, you’ll be ahead of the curve and ready for whatever fall driving throws your way.
