Back-to-School Car Care Tips: Keep Your Family Safe on the Road
Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed parking lots, carpools, sports practices, and plenty of extra miles on the road. Before the school year gets into full swing, it’s a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the increased activity.
A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your family traveling safely throughout the school year.
1. Check Your Tires
Your tires are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle. Before school starts, check the tire pressure and make sure each tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
While you’re at it, inspect the tread for uneven wear, cracks, or other damage. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.
If your tires are worn or you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, have them inspected by a qualified automotive professional.
2. Test the Brakes
School traffic often means frequent stops and starts, making dependable brakes especially important. Pay attention to warning signs such as squeaking, grinding, vibrations when braking, or a brake pedal that feels soft.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Have your braking system inspected before your school-year driving routine begins.
3. Check Your Battery
A weak battery can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. Check for corrosion around the battery terminals and look for signs of a weak battery, such as slow engine cranking or dimming lights when starting the vehicle.
If your battery is several years old, consider having it tested. A simple battery check can help identify potential problems before they turn into an unexpected no-start situation.
4. Top Off Essential Fluids
Take a few minutes to check your vehicle’s essential fluids, including:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Transmission fluid, if applicable
Low or dirty fluids can contribute to premature wear and other mechanical problems. If you’re unsure how to check a particular fluid, consult your owner’s manual or have your vehicle inspected by a professional.
5. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Clear visibility is essential, especially when driving children to school in rainy weather. If your wiper blades leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or make unusual noises, it may be time to replace them.
Also make sure your windshield washer reservoir is full so you’re prepared for road spray, dirt, and other visibility problems.
6. Inspect Your Lights
Walk around your vehicle and check that your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and parking lights are working properly.
Good lighting helps you see other vehicles and helps other drivers see you—particularly during early-morning school drop-offs and evening activities.
7. Check Your Air Conditioning
Back-to-school traffic can mean spending more time sitting in the vehicle. Before the weather starts changing, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly.
If the air isn’t getting cold, the airflow is weak, or you hear unusual noises when the system is running, schedule an inspection.
8. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
A clean cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from circulating through your vehicle’s interior. If the filter is clogged, you may also notice reduced airflow from the vents.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended replacement interval, especially if your vehicle spends a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic.
9. Make Sure Safety Equipment Is Ready
Take a quick look at your emergency supplies before the school year begins. Your vehicle should have basic items such as jumper cables or a portable jump starter, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and appropriate emergency supplies.
If your vehicle has a tire repair kit or spare tire, make sure you know where it is and that it’s ready to use.
10. Don’t Forget the Kids’ Safety
Vehicle maintenance is only part of back-to-school safety. Make sure children are properly secured in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or seat belt.
Remove loose objects from the passenger compartment that could become projectiles during sudden braking. And remember that school zones require extra attention—slow down, watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, and follow posted traffic and school-bus laws.
Give Your Vehicle a Back-to-School Checkup
A few minutes of preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle dependable during a busy school year. Before the first day of school, take care of small maintenance items and address any warning signs before they become expensive repairs or roadside emergencies.
If your vehicle is due for service or you’re unsure whether it’s ready for the demands of another school year, schedule an inspection with your trusted automotive service professional. Starting the school year with a well-maintained vehicle means one less thing to worry about when the morning rush begins. Check out a list of our services.
