The autumn season is approaching, and for most of the country, this means a kaleidoscope of changing tree colors and weather patterns; for everyone, it means some necessary fall car care.With winter just on the horizon, most customers may not feel the need to wash their cars in anticipation of the coming days of snow and salt.

As such, fall is the statistically the least popular season for carwashes, with only 18 percent of yearly sales happening, according to a survey from Statistic Brain.

However, automotive enthusiast and blogger Scott Huntington says that you should still convince your customers to get their cars washed and waxed and help them understand that a protective wax can shield their cars from the detrimental effects of fall debris like leaves, sap, mud, tar and bird droppings.

And, Huntington adds, after you have convinced them to keep washing and waxing their cars through the autumnal months, here are five fall car care tips to share with them:

• Clear off any debris. Fall can be tough driving weather. It gets cold and dark early, and storms roll through often. Your customers need perfect visibility for these conditions, so advise them to brush off any leaves, mud, dirt, etc., when present.
• Check the wipers. Make sure they can wipe water and grime away quickly and efficiently.
• Have some cloths and anti-freeze solution nearby. The harsh weather of early winter can take a toll on customers’ cars faster than you can say “Jack Frost.” Customers should purchase — maybe from your carwash’s multi-profit centers — these materials in their cars to combat the weather.
• Vacuum interior areas. The cold seasons can wreak havoc on car interior areas. Leaves and mud can litter your customers’ floor mats, and fingerprints can pile up on the dash. Customers should do themselves a favor and vacuum and wipe down the interior whenever possible.
• Keep tabs on the important stuff. Brake pads, tires, the engine and other vital components of the car should be maintained regularly to keep the vehicle operating at optimal performance levels. Customers will need good brakes for slippery fall and winter roads and good tires to grip the road.

Read more about fall carwashing here.