■ Other Components
In addition to fluids and filters, other parts such as wiper blades, the chassis, tires, and more should also be inspected or replaced as needed.
Wiper Blades
Wipers may seem like small, insignificant parts, but their condition is closely tied to driving safety—especially during summer rains. After a whole season of high heat and heavy rain, have you checked on their “health”? The rubber strips can easily age and crack in hot, wet weather. If unnoticed, you’ll only realize the problem when you actually need them. Also, don’t forget to top up windshield washer fluid in time.
Chassis
Chassis maintenance mainly focuses on rust prevention. Start by giving the chassis a thorough cleaning; if there’s a heavy buildup of dirt, use a degreaser as well. Once it’s completely dry, apply rust-proofing treatments (such as underbody coating). After the process, let it air-dry naturally for 5–10 minutes.
Tires
In summer, higher ambient temperatures usually keep tire pressure on the lower side. But as temperatures drop, you’ll need to add air and check pressure more often. Regular tire inspections are essential. Also, check the tread surface—if it’s badly worn, consider a wheel alignment or even replacing the tires.
Antifreeze
As temperatures fall, the importance of antifreeze becomes clear. Some drivers use plain water in summer instead of coolant, but this should be replaced as soon as possible. Why?
- Water has a much lower boiling point, making overheating in summer and freezing in winter more likely.
- Water leads to scale buildup, which clogs the system and complicates cleaning.
- Water doesn’t provide anti-corrosion protection, which shortens system life.
Radiator
The radiator, also called the cooling tank, is a key component of the vehicle’s cooling system. However, over time, using water in place of coolant often causes limescale buildup. If not cleaned in time, cooling efficiency drops significantly. Regular inspections and cleanings are important. You can use a specialized radiator cleaner, or have it cleaned manually—though the latter requires dismantling the radiator and is more labor-intensive.
Air Conditioning
The air conditioner is used heavily in summer, and with high humidity, mold and bacteria can easily accumulate in the ducts. After the season, cleaning and disinfecting the A/C system is essential. You can do it yourself with an A/C duct cleaner—just spray it into the vents and let the system run for a while. If you prefer extra assurance, you can also take your car to a repair shop or dealership for professional disinfection.
■ Wipers / Antifreeze / Air Conditioning / Tires
Checking your wiper blades, antifreeze, tires, and air-conditioning ducts are all tasks you can easily handle yourself. Simply head to an auto parts store and pick up vehicle-specific components—they’re usually affordable and of decent quality.
■ Battery and Electrical System
- Check the battery voltage and charging status, as batteries tend to lose power more quickly in cold weather.
- Clean the battery terminals to prevent oxidation, which can affect starting performance.
- Inspect the lighting system (headlights, fog lights, brake lights) to ensure visibility and safety.
👉 For reliable inspection, we recommend using the AUTOOL Battery Diagnostic Kit to test and maintain your car’s battery.
With so many areas to cover, it’s worth asking: which tasks can we handle ourselves, and which ones are better left to a repair shop or dealership? And when it comes to cost-effectiveness, is a dealership (4S shop) really the best option—or would an independent repair shop offer better value?
■ Routine Maintenance / Chassis / Radiator
Tasks such as fluid replacement and inspections of the chassis and radiator should be handled by professional technicians. But should you go to a dealership (4S shop) or an independent repair shop? Many dealerships offer attentive service and often provide free seasonal inspections, which usually cover these three areas. Car owners can first check whether such a free inspection is available at their dealership; if not, an independent repair shop is a good alternative.
