Fall is here, and though it is most welcomed in most areas of the country, the days of driving with the windows down, without a care are fleeting. Fall is the perfect time to check in on your vehicle, to make sure it's running smoothly, before winter sets in.

Top things to check when prepping your vehicle for the fall season...

Check your heater.

With often chilly fall mornings on the horizon, you'll want to check to make sure that your vehicle's heat is working properly. If you have little ones traveling with you, it is recommended that you remove their coats before strapping them into car seats or boosters. Make sure that the car is toasty warm before they hop in, so there will be noo struggle with the coats coming off, and will ensure everyone's safety.

Check your defroster.

Once the first frost falls, there will be plenty more to follow. A properly working front and rear defroster can quickly get rid of fost on a windshield, or condensation build up inside. Your windshields- front and back need to be clear from obstruction, so you can easily see, and keep safe while driving.

Check your wiper blades.

Not having properly working wiper blades can be very dangerous- no matter what season it is. Dull wipers can cause the rubber blades to rub against and get caught on the windshield- leaving streaks, making marks, or worse, coming off completely, when you need them most. There is often a fair amount of rain in the fall, so be sure that your wiper blaes have been recently changed, and that they are working, as well as making sure your washer fluid is working and dispensing correctly.

Check the battery.

Your car needs a properly working battery to live, so be sure to check to see that it is in excellent condition before hitting the road. Make sure to have a pair of jumper cables in the trunk of your car, just in case you find yourself stuck somewhere.

Other items to keep in your car during the fall season...

With ever-changing temperatures and weather conditions, it's a good idea to keep an emergency kit with you in your car. Includes items: a blanket, ice scraper, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, spare tire, batteries.

Make a maintenence reminder.

You can schedule reminders on your phone, or physically jot down when you need to take your car into the shop or dealership to have it regularly serviced. Doing this, and following the above tips is a wonderful way to make sure that your vehicle is safely prepped for the fall driving season, and is the first step to take when prepping your car for winter driving, as well.

This post brought to you by Peoria Toyota.