1. Tires connect you to the road. Every car we service gets a tire check--we measure the tread depth of all 4 tires and adjust the tire pressures to factory specifications. Minimum tread depth, in California, is 1/32", but it's better to have more tread depth on slippery surfaces. Fall and winter are two seasons that especially call for good tires. If your car needs a tire rotation, we will inform you; with your approval, we'll rotate the tires.

2. Wiper blades have been baking in the sun all summer. Now that they're needed in a big way, it's time to evaluate them and replace them if necessary. We stock wiper blades for most of the cars we service, and installation is labor-free.

3. Watch out for leaves. Not only do they make any road surface more slippery and hide road hazards, they can clog the car's natural drainage. You can help your car out by removing leaves that have built up below the windshield and around the trunk when you fill up with gas.

4. First Rain. The first rain after a dry spell lifts accumulated oil that is lighter than water and that mixes with the rain water to create a very slippery surface (more slippery than just a wet surface). Stop and start carefully after a first rain to avoid losing control of your car. Now is a good time to repair your ABS system if you've been putting it off, since the chances of spinning out when braking are significantly higher.

5. Ice and frost, while not common in our immediate area, are something to watch out for as soon as you leave here. Black ice, in particular, is hard to see and is potentially very dangerous. Overpasses and bridges are often home to black ice, so slow down for them. If you can plan your trip to avoid early morning and night driving, you can minimize the danger of black ice.

6. Sun glasses and a working sun visor help with early morning and late afternoon glare from a sun that sits on the horizon.

7. Regular service. When you bring your car in for service, we will inspect it thoroughly. Since we are trained professionals, we may see things that you don't. Which means you get the opportunity to have us take care of them.

The tips we have listed should help you have a safer, more trouble-free fall and winter. Happy Motoring from the Model Garage.