It’s hard to imagine it now with the hot, dry conditions that have blanketed Southwest Riverside this summer, but cooler, wetter days are ahead.

Cool, rainy weather on tap for Southwest Riverside means drivers should replace their wiper blades. (Flickr: basheertome)
Read: Cool, rainy weather on tap for Southwest Riverside
So, what does that mean for local motorists who brave the daily commute?
Robert Marcial, Internet & Fleet Manager with Hemet Chrysler, urges residents to make sure their cars are ready for the shift in weather.
“It’s a really good idea to bring your car in for a tire and brakes inspection now in advance of rainy weather,” Marcial said.
Marcial added that the simplest maintenance issues are typically the biggest concerns on slick roadways.
“In this market, we are seeing that people are putting off repairs, trying to get another few miles out of their brakes and their tires. It’s just not worth it. Safety has to come first,” Marcial said.
He added that preventative work on a vehicle proves much less costly than repairs that must applied after a blown tire, or worse yet, a crash.
“Another thing to get overlooked is the wiper blades. In Southern California, they are used so infrequently that they can dry out and be a hazard if not properly maintained for visibility in a thunderstorm,” he added.
Marcial said that oil changes, checking tire pressure and examining your battery for any corrosive wear-and-tear are also good ideas.
If you plan to travel to mountainous regions to catch some snow, Marcial said that a roadside emergency kit that includes flashlights, tools, jumper cables, tire chains, an ice scraper, and extra food and water are a must.
Have a question about your vehicle that you’d like a service professional to answer? Visit: http://www.hemetcdjr.com/service/ask-a-tech-form.htm.
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