Preparing your Mercedes-Benz for the Fall
Giancarlo Perlas June 14, 2018
There’s no disputing the Mercedes-Benz as the car of choice for the discerning driver, but even the most responsible Benz owner is prone to the occasional neglect of their favorite automobile. This is especially true when it comes to the change of seasons.
With fall on the way, it’s time to look at just what you should be doing to ensure that your Mercedes is as capable as possible of dealing with the colder weather. Fall is a fantastic time of year, but it brings with it a drop in temperature, leaves on the road, and an increased chance of rainfall. A maintenance check that you do now is one that you don’t have to do when you’re standing by the side of the road recovering from an incident caused by lack of preparation.
Always Start with Your Lights
Mercedes lights are famous all over the world, but that doesn’t mean that you can neglect them. Use the change of seasons as the perfect reminder that it’s time to do your maintenance checks, and always start with your lights.
You’re going to need to check every light on your Mercedes, and that means front, back, reverse, parking, and interior lights. As Fall hits and the evenings draw in earlier, your lights need to be fully functional to protect you and your car. You need to be seen on the road, which is why a check now can save your life later.
This is a job best carried out by two people, with one turning the lights on and off and the other checking whether they work. If you are completing your maintenance check alone, then use a wall or garage door to act as a reflective guide and check that your lights are in full working order.
Consider the State of Your Tires
Your tires connect you to the road, so it’s obviously a good idea to ensure that they are in good condition. With fall coming sooner than you think, there’s an increased chance of rain, and worn tires in rainfall can be incredibly dangerous. That’s why you need to make sure that your tread depth is up to the legal standard, and that will depend on the state that you’re in.
While the majority of states dictate that your tread depth needs to be at least 2/32 of an inch, there are some that suggest less, and others that have no requirements at all. Make sure that you address this if you’re planning a journey that covers more than one state. When it comes to the tread depth of your Benz, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and replace your tires if the depth of the tread is not sufficient.
Never Forget to Check Your Trailer
It’s all well and good doing a safety check on your car, but if you make regular use of a trailer, then you need to check that as well. It’s far too common that drivers check their vehicles and make them perfect, and then attach trailers and loads without a thought.
When they’re attached to your Mercedes, trailers become an extension of it, so it’s vital that you take the time to give your trailer a regular once over in terms of safety. Use the same checks on your trailer as you do to your car, so tires, brakes, and lights are the first steps.
Your trailer brakes are especially important because there are so many variables when it comes to them that you will need to be very specific about what you’re looking for and how to resolve any issues. Once those have been confirmed as being in good working order, take the extra time to check your axles and your mirrors.
The Mercedes range is one of the finest cars in the world, and it’s not without reason that their slogan is ‘The Best or Nothing.’ However, neglect and laziness will mean that you’re not getting the best driving experience from the luxury car, and that’s unacceptable when there’s so much driving possibility.
