5.) Check Your Oil and Fluids - This is always the first to be mentioned on every auto list, but it is almost always the most overlooked. Be sure to double-check your oil, brake, power steering, transmission, wiper, and any other fluids your vehicle uses. If it's time to replace them, be sure to get it done ASAP. It will make your car operate smoother and prepare your car/truck for the Winter ahead - not to mention, it all leads to better fuel mileage.

4.) Check the Charge of Your Battery - Cooler months will always wreak havoc on your car's battery, and drain it faster than anything. While you're at your local Grease Monkey having your oil and fluids changed, they should also check the charge on your battery for you as part of the diagnostic exam. If the charge isn't close to maximum, you should really think about having it recharged, or better yet, replaced with a new, longer lasting unit. Trust me, when the storm of the century blows into town out of nowhere, and you need to hit the only grocery store across town for the last loaf of bread, you don't want a dead battery making you hate life.

3.) Check Your Tires - You should always keep your eyes on your tires. They're the shoes of your vehicle, after all. Be sure to routinely examine their air pressure at least twice a month, and nothing could be more important than the walk-around inspection every time you stop for gas to ensure no foreign objects have punctured the tread or walls of your tires. Another service you should purchase while your fluids and battery are being freshened, is a tire rotation if you haven't had one in a while. I highly recommend doing this now before the cold months settle in, so your tires can get used to their new patterns.

2.) Get Some Antifreeze Now - Go ahead and purchase your antifreeze now, if you think you'll need it. Nothing is worse than pushing off buying some, then heading to the local Auto Zone in December, only to find empty shelves. Well, I guess a dead battery trumps them all.

1.) Get Your Car to Cover - If you don't have a garage or carport, think about purchasing a car cover - drop cloth and bungies work just as well. It will not only protect your vehicle from those annoying leaves that seem to get glued to every part of your car, but it will also shield your windows from major ice and frost in the colder months. In fact, I would also recommend you go ahead and give your car/truck that much-needed wash and wax, so it will be ready to shine again in the Spring.

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Don't forget to buy that ice scraper. We all know you already forgot where you misplaced last year's.

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From all of us here at Regional Auto Center, have a great weekend. And, remember to Drive Safely... We'll Wait.