October isn’t just about pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations, it’s also National Car Care Month, a reminder for drivers to give their vehicles the attention they need before winter arrives. The fall season provides the perfect window for inspections, tune-ups, and repairs that can keep cars safe and reliable through colder months.
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Why October?
The Car Care Council designates October as National Car Care Month because weather changes place extra demands on vehicles. Colder temperatures can strain batteries, thicken engine oil, reduce tire pressure, and reveal hidden issues that might not be noticeable during the summer. By addressing maintenance in October, drivers can avoid costly breakdowns, improve safety, and extend the life of their vehicles.
Common Maintenance to Prioritize
During October, experts recommend a thorough check-up that includes:
- Battery testing: Cold weather reduces battery capacity. A weak battery that seemed fine in summer may fail in winter.
- Tire inspection: Check tread depth, tire pressure, and alignment to ensure good traction on slick or icy roads.
- Fluids check: Engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, and windshield washer fluids should all be topped off or replaced if needed.
- Brakes and lights: Ensuring brakes are responsive and all exterior lights are functional is critical for safe fall and winter driving.
- Heating and defrosting systems: These often go unused during warmer months but become essential as soon as temperatures drop.
The Bigger Picture: Safety and Savings
Preventative maintenance not only helps drivers avoid the hassle of roadside breakdowns but also saves money. Small issues left unchecked can snowball into expensive repairs. For example, ignoring worn brake pads could lead to damage to rotors, while low coolant might cause engine overheating.
In addition, well-maintained vehicles run more efficiently, reducing fuel costs. At a time when many households are looking to cut expenses, simple care routines can make a noticeable difference.
Building Better Habits
National Car Care Month isn’t just a once-a-year task, it’s a reminder to establish consistent maintenance habits. A good practice is scheduling seasonal check-ups in both spring (before summer heat) and fall (before winter). Drivers who follow this rhythm tend to see fewer unexpected issues and longer vehicle lifespans.
OOROO Auto’s Happy Car Club is an affordable subscription program that makes car care simple and affordable. Members receive three oil changes a year, routine maintenance like filter and wiper replacements, tire rotations, safety inspections, and fluid top-offs, plus 10% off additional repairs. The plan also includes free local towing and the convenience of OOROO’s mobile service, giving drivers peace of mind and predictable costs for their vehicle upkeep.
October is the ideal time to show your car some attention. From checking your tires and battery to ensuring your brakes and heating systems are ready, taking action now can prevent headaches later. National Car Care Month is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to keep you, your passengers, and your wallet protected on the road ahead.
Author: Lindsey Wiederstein is Chief of Staff at OOROO Auto. OOROO Auto provides complete automotive repair service for most makes and models of vehicles across Tucson and Phoenix. They opened their first shop in May 2014 to enthusiastic response from the community as evidenced by the growth of its business, their reviews, and the numerous awards they’ve received, including the Better Business Bureau Ethics Awards, Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards for Innovation and Best Place to Work, and Arizona Daily Star Readers Choice Best Auto Repair Shop. As an extension of the auto services OOROO provides at its shops, their mobile auto repair and maintenance service allows them to further fulfill their mission of delivering “the highest level of expertise, safety, care, and convenience.” OOROO fits into customers’ busy lifestyles by providing various auto repair and maintenance services at their home or work. OOROO’s mobile service vans are fully equipped “shops on wheels” and mobile customers enjoy everything OOROO is known for in their shops—from honest and transparent pricing to exceptional and friendly customer service. Learn more at oorooauto.com.
