Maintenance Tips • 5 min read

Seasonal Car Maintenance Checklist for Upland, CA Drivers

From hot Inland Empire summers to occasional winter rain, each season brings its own challenges. Use this simple checklist to keep your vehicle reliable all year long.

Call (909) 527-2525 Schedule Service

If you live in Upland or anywhere in the Inland Empire, you know our climate asks a lot of your vehicle. Blistering summers push cooling systems and batteries to their limits, while occasional winter rain makes wipers, tires, and brakes critical for safety. Add year-round commuting on Foothill Blvd and the 210 freeway, and it's clear that staying on top of seasonal maintenance isn't optional — it's how you avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. Here's a season-by-season checklist to keep your car running smoothly.

Your Year in Maintenance

Season-by-Season Checklist

Fall Maintenance

September – November

  • Check and replace wiper blades before winter rain
  • Inspect brakes for wear after the summer heat
  • Check tire tread depth and pressure as temperatures drop
  • Test battery health before the cooler months

Winter Maintenance

December – February

  • Monitor tire pressure — it drops with cold temperatures
  • Check coolant and antifreeze levels
  • Keep an eye on brake performance in wet conditions
  • Inspect belts and hoses for cold-weather cracking

Spring Maintenance

March – May

  • Replace the cabin air filter after winter
  • Check alignment after pothole season
  • Schedule an oil change and fluid top-offs
  • Inspect suspension components

Summer Maintenance

June – August

  • Check AC refrigerant and cooling system before heat waves
  • Monitor tire pressure — heat causes expansion
  • Inspect the battery for heat damage
  • Check transmission fluid before summer road trips

Year-Round Essentials

Oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles

Tire rotations every 5,000 miles

Smog checks when due, especially for older vehicles

Brake inspections at every service visit

All-Season Auto Care

Stay Ahead of the Seasons

Stay ahead of the seasons with 123 Auto Center. Our experienced technicians handle everything from oil changes and smog checks to brake service and transmission service — all in one convenient location.

Visit us at 2133 W Foothill Blvd Unit A, Upland, CA 91786

Open Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Call (909) 527-2525 Schedule Service Online

Walk-ins welcome • Family owned and operated • Serving Upland since 1989