Can you feel it? Fall has finally set in on the great state of Arizona and there's no better time to get out and hit the open road. Autumn leaves, pumpkin festivals and beautiful scenery wait. But before you hit the trail, now is a great time step back and take inventory of your vehicle. The side of the road is not the greatest way to enjoy autumn, checking a few basic things will help make sure you’re fall adventure is memorable in the best of ways. Here are a few simple, easy-to-remember tips that you can do yourself.

Tire pressure

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure tires are not under- or over-inflated. Low pressure in the tires can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tires properly aligned will also help assure longer tire life and improve fuel economy.

New Tires

Summer wreaks havoc on tires and the heat may have tipped your treads over the edge. Check for cracks or worn edges.

Engine oil
Dirty oil will increase engine wear, while low oil levels can lead to overheating. If the oil level drops too low, lubrication will be lost and severe engine damage can result. Regular oil changes will add longevity to your engine.

Brakes
Ignoring the signs of bad brakes is a huge mistake. We've all heard that squealing or grinding sound and said "I'll get it looked at next week", but the longer you wait the more you can risk serious damage to your car. When your brakes are making noise think of it as a baby crying out to its mother, don't ignore it!

The good news is that you can stop all of these problems from ever occurring with regularly scheduled maintenance. Just like our own health, the key to longevity is routine checkups and early detection. Also, use your senses of sight, sound and smell to keep tabs on your car. Most of the problems you will have start with a "weird sound", "funny smell", or everyone's favorite, the check engine light. So why not get a checkup today, and make sure your ride is ready for that great fall journey?