Summer is over and if you are a parent, you may be actively carpooling as your kids return to school. Or perhaps you have a college-aged child who is returning to school in his or her own vehicle. Regardless, it’s a good time to schedule maintenance of the household vehicles to ensure a safe and problem-free return to school.
In this month’s blog, we review five steps for vehicle maintenance that can get you prepared for the upcoming school year.
Five Steps to a Worry-Free Driving School Year
- Tires
Your vehicle’s tires should be checked regularly for proper air pressure as well as wear and tear. What is the proper air pressure for your tires? The best way to address that question is to use the air pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer for your specific tires. When measuring tire pressure, examine the tire treads. Your treads should have a deep groove and not show signs of balding or threading. Pick up a simple tire tread depth gauge from your local auto supplies store to measure the depth of your tire treads. Make sure to also examine the side-walls for signs of any damage.
- Oil and Filter
If you have not been keeping up with regular oil changes, it’s never too late to start! Your vehicle’s motor oil plays an important role in keeping your engine clean, lubricated, and managing temperature. If you use a synthetic oil for your vehicle, changes do not need to be as frequent. Check your oil level at least monthly to make sure the level is set. If you notice your motor oil is dark and grimy while checking the level, it’s time for a change.
- Battery
Your vehicle’s battery has a nasty habit of dying at the most inconvenient times. Don’t let that happen and have the charge checked by a professional. Batteries are designed to last between two to five years, with the average lifespan at about four years. You should also examine your battery connections for any signs of corrosion, which can easily be cleaned using a solution of water and baking soda.
- Other Vehicle Fluids
Many of your vehicle’s operating systems use specific fluids to help control temperature and lubricate moving parts. It’s always a good idea to check the fluid levels for the key systems, including brake, transmission, coolant (radiator), and windshield wiper. Before replenishing any of these fluids, make sure to consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for specifics. If you are consistently replenishing fluids, check with a service professional at Campus Repair for a possible leak.
- Brake Pads and Rotors
Having good brakes is an important safety consideration, especially since they are subject to wear and tear from different driving conditions and habits. Have your brakes inspected for any wear or tear on pads or the rotors. If you notice unusual sounds while braking, that is a good indication that they may need to be serviced.
Additional maintenance items you may want to consider for back to school, may include:
- Replacing worn or cracked windshield wiper blades
- Replacing headlamps or brake lights
- Tire rotation and balance
If you focus on the five maintenance items, you will significantly reduce the chances of having a vehicle breakdown or costly repairs.
Get in touch with the service professionals at Campus Repair to schedule a full vehicle inspection. We will examine your vehicle’s main systems and provide you with any recommended repairs or replacements.