Fort Collins Auto Repair

Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

🍂 Fall into Car Care: What to Check Before the Cold Hits

In Northern Colorado, there’s a subtle but unmistakable sign that fall is approaching—not a date on the calendar, but the golden sunflowers blooming along the roadsides. When you see those bright yellow blossoms dancing in the breeze along I-25 or the back roads near Fort Collins, it’s nature’s way of saying: “It’s time to get your car ready for cooler days ahead.”

As the weather shifts from scorching to crisp and clear, now is the perfect time to give your European car the seasonal care it needs to stay reliable, safe, and ready for everything fall (and winter) will bring.

Here’s your ultimate fall car care checklist, tailored specifically for BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, MINI, Porsche, Land Rover, Volvo, and Jaguar drivers.


🔋 1. Battery: Cold Weather’s First Victim

Cold temperatures drain battery power, and weak batteries often fail without warning—especially on cold mornings.

  • If your battery is over 4 years old, it’s time to test or replace it.

  • Cranking slower than usual? Don’t wait.

  • Many European vehicles (like BMW and Audi) use AGM batteries that need proper registration when replaced—something we do every day.

💡 Pro Tip: We’ll test your battery for free with every oil change service!


💧 2. Coolant: Your Engine’s Winter Coat

Coolant isn’t just for preventing overheating—it’s also what keeps your engine from freezing when temperatures drop. Old, degraded coolant can lose its freeze protection or cause corrosion inside sensitive European systems.

  • We check for proper coolant strength and level

  • We use OEM-approved coolants specific to your make and model

  • We inspect for leaks in hoses, water pumps, and radiators

❄️ Don’t wait for a freezing morning to find out your coolant system has failed.


 3. Tires: Your First Line of Defense

When roads get slick, worn tires put you at risk. Performance tires with low tread are dangerous in fall rain, and all-season does not always mean winter-safe—especially in Colorado.

  • Check tread depth (we recommend 4/32” or greater before winter) - Use your quarter to check the tread.. don't know how to do this? Ask us, we will be happy to show you.  You have to bring the quarter though.

  • Inspect for uneven wear or age cracking

  • Consider a dedicated winter or snow-rated tire for better grip

We offer top-tier brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, and Goodyear—and mount them using our Hunter Road Force Balance System for the smoothest ride possible.


🧼 4. Wipers & Washer Fluid: Visibility is Everything

You don’t think about your wipers until you really need them. Fall brings early frosts, dirty windshields, and low visibility conditions.

  • Replace streaking, chattering, or worn wiper blades

  • Top off washer fluid with freeze-protected solution

  • Test your spray nozzles for proper aim and pressure

🌨️ Getting stuck with dry washer fluid on a slushy Colorado day? No thanks.


🛠️ 5. Optional but Smart: Lights, Belts, Cabin Air Filter

  • Check all lights and signals—the days are getting shorter!

  • Inspect belts and hoses for cold-weather cracking

  • Replace your cabin air filter—you’re about to use heat daily


👨‍🔧 The European Motor Cars Advantage

At EMC, we’ve been preparing luxury European cars for Colorado seasons for 30 years. Our technicians know the quirks of every model we service and use OEM parts, fluids, and the most advanced diagnostic tools in the industry.

Whether you're headed to work in Fort Collins, out to the mountains, or up to Laramie or Cheyenne, make sure your car is ready before winter hits.


✅ Schedule Your Fall Inspection Today

Free battery and fluid checks included with every oil change service.
Let’s get ahead of the cold—so your car doesn’t leave you behind.

📅 https://europeanmotorcarsinc.com/?mg_show=true|

📍 802 E. Mulberry St., Fort Collins |

☎️ (970) 484-0040

European Motor Cars, Inc. is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call European Motor Cars, Inc. (970) 484-0040 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.