Fall is in the air! Here’s how to prep your home and car for it.

Fall is officially here, and that means cooler mornings, autumn leaves, and the familiar urge to get things done before winter. Before you break out the rake or that cozy sweater, add a few items to your checklist that can help protect your home and car when the weather gets colder.

We’ve pulled together the best tips for the season. A little effort now can go a long way toward avoiding bigger headaches (and expenses) once winter blows in.

Get your car winter-ready

Colder temperatures are tough on vehicles, and fall is the perfect time to get ahead. Here’s where to start:

• Check your battery. Have it tested, especially if you’ve noticed a change in how your car starts or runs. Batteries that are already on their way out tend to give up when temperatures drop. Keep a pair of jumper cables in your trunk as a backup, too. 
  
• Refill your fluids. Top off your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Healthy fluid levels keep your car running smoothly, especially as the weather changes.
  
• Clear your visibility. Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid, and replace the wipers if they’re leaving streaks. Make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working condition, since shorter days mean more driving in the dark. If you have a backup camera, wipe down the lens as well.
  
• Check your tires. Tire pressure drops with temperature, so check yours and inflate to the recommended pressure (you can usually find it on the sticker inside the driver’s-side doorjamb). If you live somewhere with snowy or icy winters, it’s time to switch to winter tires. 

… and emergency-ready

• Garage or cover your car. Parking in a garage or using a cover keeps leaves and ice off your car. More importantly, it helps protect your car from storm damage and flying debris when the weather gets tough.
  
• Update your emergency kit. A well-stocked kit includes jumper cables, flares or lights, and blankets. In colder months, those blankets are more important than ever. When severe weather is in the forecast, fill up your gas tank, so you’re ready to go if an emergency hits. 

Your fall home maintenance to-dos

Fall is also the best time to get your home ready for winter. Here’s what you can do now to avoid problems after the first freeze:

Roof, gutters, and exterior

• Clear your gutters and check your roof. Fall leaves pile up fast. Remove debris from your gutters and downspouts so water drains freely, and check your roof for any damaged or missing shingles.
  
• Get your chimney inspected and cleaned. If you have a fireplace, hire a professional chimney sweep to ensure your chimney is free of blockages. This step can go a long way in reducing your risk of a fire.
  
• Trim your trees. Cut back limbs hanging over or near your roof, as heavy snow and ice can bring them down. For larger trees, a certified arborist can tell you whether a tree runs the risk of cracking or falling in a storm.
  
• Shut off exterior faucets. Frozen pipes can burst, and outdoor spigots are especially vulnerable. Drain and disconnect your hoses, and turn off the shutoff valve for your outdoor faucets (usually found indoors). Then open and close the outside tap to drain any leftover water from the pipe.

Inside the house

• Schedule a furnace inspection. A professional inspection helps ensure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. Yearly maintenance can also help prevent a more costly breakdown in the middle of winter.
  
• Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Change the batteries and test each detector. Bonus: no mystery beeping at 2 a.m. Having a working fire extinguisher on hand can be a life-saving investment, too.
  
• Inspect for leaks. Check water heaters, pipes, sump pump, and anywhere there’s water or a connection point. Higher-than-normal water bills can be an early sign of a hidden leak. Know where your main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
  
• Install a whole-home surge protector. An electrician can install one to help protect your home and appliances from power surges and reduce your risk of electrical fires.
  
• Take inventory. Update photos and records of your home and belongings. An up-to-date inventory makes things much easier if you ever need to file a claim, and it may even help you qualify for a discount.

Branch has your back.

We know the fall and winter can feel like a lot, with plenty to stay on top of. The Branch app makes it easier. Download it to access your policy, get answers to questions quickly, and file a claim the moment something happens, all in one place.

But for now, stay cozy this fall!