It’s September, and that means the kids are back in school! If you are a parent, you may be part of a neighborhood carpool and transporting several children to and from school every day.
Safety is number one for you and your vehicle occupants, and that is why we focus this month on back-to-school vehicle maintenance. Not only are the maintenance items critical for safety, ongoing maintenance increases the longevity of your vehicle as we move into the fall season.
The chart below outlines the safety items you want to maintenance to keep your vehicle running effectively. We cover these items from the ground up in your vehicle.
| Items | Description | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Having good tires is key to maintaining traction on road surfaces, as well as maneuvering safely in hazardous weather. | - Examine treads for proper depth and possible wear - Inspect side-walls for tears, punctures or other damage - Check air pressure on each tire, adjust according to your tire manufacturer |
| Brakes | Your vehicle’s brakes are critical to safety when needing to stop suddenly or in situations where you are in “stop and go” traffic, like a school pick-up lane. | - Inspect brake pads for wear - Inspect rotors for grooves and wear - Listen for squeaks, thumps, or other strange noises when applying brakes |
| Battery | Most vehicle batteries have an average lifespan of about four years. Getting stuck without the battery to start your vehicle or power your controls is not something you want to happen, especially during carpool season. | - Measure battery charge - Inspect connectors for corrosion or dirt - Check cable connections to make sure they are secured |
| Oil and Filter | Oil is such an important fluid for keeping your engine parts lubricated, controlling temperature, and cleaning engine components. Oil changes should be every 5,000 to 7,000 miles driven on average. | - Check oil level - Examine oil for dirt and discoloration; clean oil is viscous and old oil is dark, thick, and gritty - Replace oil and filter, if necessary |
| Other Vehicle Fluids | There is a range of fluids that are necessary to keep vehicle systems running properly. These include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, and radiator (coolant). These should be checked periodically according to your vehicle manufacturer suggestions. | - Check fluids according to your vehicle owner’s manual - Replenish fluids, if necessary - Maintain an eye on the ground beneath where you park for any signs of leaks |
| Headlamps and Taillights | Sometimes you are not aware of a burned out headlamp or taillight. Make sure lights are bright for dusk travel and rear lights are illuminated for safety. | - Do a light check for lamps, including high beams - Do a rear light check with parking, brake, and back-up lamps - Replace bulbs as necessary |
| Windshield Wiper Blades | There’s nothing worse than driving through a downpour and having poor visibility through your windshield. | - Check blades for cracks, tears, and brittle rubber - Replace blades, as necessary - Check rear window blades as well |
If you commit to these seven safety items on your “to do” list, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable carpooling season with you and your occupants. Don’t get stuck in a bad situation due to neglect.
Contact the service professionals at Car Kings today to schedule a full inspection and maintenance of your vehicle.