When fall comes to Kansas City, there’s a lot to look forward to. A new Chiefs season, maybe some playoff baseball if we’re lucky, festivals, and cooler nights for hanging out around the firepit.
It’s also a good time of year to get your used car serviced for regular maintenance, and for season-specific auto work, so that you don’t have to miss out on any fall moments. You also don’t want to let any underlying issues pop up as a surprise once the cold weather settles in, leaving you stranded and out of pocket.
Auto Bank, an auto sales leader in Kansas City, has some top tips to get your used car ready for a Kansas City autumn, so you can experience all our city has to offer.
The smartest way to take care of a used car is to keep up on typical maintenance procedures, so your car performs even better than when you first got that car finance you needed and drove off the lot.
Your local buy here, pay here dealership can recommend excellent service locations for your oil change and tire rotation, those classic moves your Dad always recommended. Getting the best out of your used car requires consistent maintenance, so you can drive with no hassles or stress.
Kansas City driving includes a lot of stops and starts if you’re running into traffic during your commute, especially now that so many construction projects are underway. The metro area is becoming more and more popular - and congested. We’re happy to see that our city is getting the attention it deserves, but your car needs to be as ready as you are.
We’re not just talking about drinks around the fire, here - we’re talking about what your used car needs as the weather gets cooler.
Along with basic maintenance, you want to be sure that your vehicle’s fluids are serviced, so you’re not on the side of the road waiting for a ride in the cold. We’ve been there, and it’s not our favorite way to spend the season.
The fluids you want checked are are as follows:
These are all important maintenance steps for fall. Imagine running out of windshield washer fluid when you’re trying to defrost your car on one of those particularly cold Kansas City mornings. What’s more, you’ve just been through a particularly hot Kansas City summer, when our refrigerant and air conditioning systems are getting a work out. Taking care of this now will have you ready for next spring. See that? You’re even thinking ahead!
You’ve done a great job of keeping your used car clean and nice throughout the spring and summer. It’s a heck of a lot easier than in the winter, right? Soon, you’re going to be kicking off your boots on the side of the car, trying to not to get slush and snow on your mats, which we all know never completely works.
Here’s a tip: spring for all-weather mats. These durable, heavy-duty mats make winter clean up a lot easier. Used cars in Kansas City are going to experience the snow and ice - whether we like it or not - so be ready with all-weather mats that can be both stylish and highly functional for unexpected bad weather.
Tire rotation is, of course, essential to keep your tread healthy and gripping the road the way it should. During the colder months, however, you also want to look at the overall condition of the tread, and whether you should go a bit further than rotation, and have the tires replaced.
A professional can tell you whether your tires pose a risk in the wet, cold weather. You need to be more cautious when you drive because accidents are more likely to occur at this time.
You also want to look at tire pressure. In Kansas City, we’re no stranger to potholes, and proper tire pressure will determine whether or not you end up with a popped tire, and need to call an overpriced tow truck. Have your tire pressure checked, as it tends to drop once the cooler air comes, leaving your tires vulnerable on the road.
Auto Bank, your premier buy here, pay here dealership, wants to be there for you throughout the life of your vehicle. We can recommend service and educate you on ways to keep your car in the best shape possible.
We also would love to show you what’s new on our lot that might be a good fit for you, if you haven’t yet purchased a vehicle that is ready for the Midwestern weather, and all your commuting and recreational needs. Believe it or not, car finance is easier and faster than you think!
Come see us at either of our locations. This will save the trouble of searching for car lots near you.
We’re also available by phone, and look forward to hearing from you! Call our East Front Street location at (816) 281-7210, or our Truman Rd location at (816) 207-3738. Auto Bank of Kansas City wants to see you happy in your buy here, pay here used car, no matter the season.