September is the month of transition—back to school, cooler mornings, and shorter days. While we’re enjoying crisp air and colorful leaves here in Wisconsin, it’s also the time when your vehicle needs extra attention.

Summer road trips, hot weather, and long drives have already put stress on your battery, tires, and fluids. Now’s the perfect time to reset and prepare your car for the months ahead—before the first frost and slippery roads arrive.

At Auto Select, our ASE-certified technicians are ready to make sure your vehicle is safe, reliable, and road-ready this fall.

5 Essential September Car Care Tips

1. Test Your Battery After a long, hot summer, many batteries are already weakened. Cooler September mornings are often when failures first show up. We’ll test your battery to ensure it can handle the cold ahead.

2. Inspect Your Brakes Back-to-school season means more stop-and-go traffic, crosswalks, and busy intersections. Combine that with damp roads from rain and falling leaves—your brakes need to be in top shape.

3. Check Your Tires Temperature drops in September affect tire pressure. Proper inflation improves safety and fuel efficiency. A rotation and alignment this month can help extend tire life through the fall and into winter.

4. Improve Visibility September brings shorter days and earlier sunsets. Make sure your headlights, brake lights, and wipers are all working perfectly— so you can see and be seen during those dark commutes.

5. Fluids & Cooling System September’s swings between warm afternoons and chilly nights mean your engine relies on a healthy cooling system. We’ll check your antifreeze and all major fluids to keep your vehicle protected.

September Spotlight on 4-Wheel Drive & AWD Fluid Service

As fall weather shifts toward rain, mud, and soon snow, many drivers rely on their 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. But did you know these systems require special fluid maintenance to stay reliable? 

• Transfer Case Fluid – Keeps gears lubricated and prevents overheating. 
• Differential Fluids – Front and rear differentials transfer power to your wheels; fresh fluid protects against wear and grinding. 
• Signs You May Need Service: humming or whining noises, difficulty engaging 4WD, or dark/dirty fluid.

Regular fluid inspection and replacement extends the life of these critical components and prevents costly repairs down the road. At Auto Select, we’ll check your transfer case and differential fluids during your fall maintenance visit to make sure your 4WD system is ready for Wisconsin’s toughest weather