Back-to-school time can be very busy for students and parents alike.
One item not usually on the top of to-do lists is car care maintenance. Whether they’re attending high school or heading off to college, this can be an opportune time to conduct a maintenance review to help get your student’s car ready for the school season. Consider some of the items below to help get your student—and their car—ready for a great school year.
Under the Hood
To help prevent maintenance issues or potentially costly repairs, open the hood of your vehicle and checking the following:
- Fluid levels of engine oil, coolant and transmission, and brake and power steering fluid—your owner’s manual will illustrate where everything is located and the proper levels to maintain.
- If your car is leaking fluid, its color may help you determine what it is and locate the source.
- Battery – Consider testing the battery with a voltmeter and replace it if it shows signs of reduced performance.
Check the Tires
Check the tires for uneven tread wear, nails or other potential hazards. Bridgestone Tire says one easy way to check tread depth is inserting a penny into a groove—if any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is obscured, you have enough tread. Check the pressure on each tire with a gauge when they’re cold (not driven). Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested pressure, which is located on most vehicles on a sticker inside the driver’s door, center console, glove compartment lid or in the owner’s manual. Also, make sure the spare tire is inflated and a jack, lug wrench and jumper cables are in the trunk.
Check the Lights
This is a good time to get your teen involved in the preventive maintenance checklist review. Have him or her get in the car and turn on the headlights, turn signals and emergency flashing lights as you walk around the vehicle to make sure they are working. Check the brake lights by having him or her press the brake pedal, too. Vehicles can have many different types of bulbs and they have varying lifespans, according to Firestone. Inspect your vehicle regularly to ensure your lights are working properly.
Local Resources
Maintenance issues still can occur despite your preventive maintenance efforts, so it’s wise to identify resources near campus. Find a trusted mechanic or local dealership that services your type of vehicle, as well as a tire store. If your driver is college-bound, the university itself can be helpful, too, so touch base with its parking services or safety department. They may have suggestions for local car services and can offer helpful services themselves.
If you have any concerns after your own inspection, let our ASE Certified Master Technicians at Silverdale Autoworks perform a safety check can help minimize maintenance issues and get your student on the road to a fantastic school year.