Is Your Vehicle Ready For Back To School?

We’re just going to come right out and say it - September is one of our favourite months of the year. The temperature is finally becoming bearable again, kids are making their way back to class . . .  It’s the perfect time to get back on track after a summer of fun and get ready for the school year ahead. There are, however, a few downsides that come along with all of that fresh fall air. 

The seasons are changing, which means the weather can be unpredictable, and cold and flu season is right around the corner. Keeping these factors in mind, it’s not hard to see why September has officially been labeled as ‘Preparedness Month.’ We want to help you and your vehicle be prepared for the hectic back to school season with our road-ready checklist! Read on to find out if your vehicle makes the grade, or if you have some homework to do.

☑ Under Pressure

First thing’s first - you won’t be going anywhere on flat, balding tires. Improper tire pressure can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and increase their wear and tear, meaning you’ll be shelling out for new tires a lot sooner than you might have planned. Even if your tires seem fine, it’s a good idea to keep a tire gauge on hand and check your pressures monthly. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation, and don’t forget about your spare! 

☑ Top Up Your Fluids

It should go without saying that keeping up with your vehicle’s regularly scheduled oil changes is a must, but just in case you need a quick refresher, check out our guide to making the most of your oil service. 

In addition to your oil, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your brake, transmission, coolant, and wiper fluids as well. Clean fluids will keep your engine running smoothly, while dirty fluids can lead to damage, which is the last thing you need when you’re dashing out the door to beat the bell! 

☑ Let There Be Light!

While there’s still plenty of sunlight this time of year, daylight savings is just around the corner and before you know it we’ll be making our daily drives to and from school in darkness. With decreased light comes decreased visibility, so it’s imperative that you ensure all of your vehicle's lights are in working order. 

Put your vehicle in park, power up your battery, then turn on your lights - and we mean all of them! Walk around your car and make sure your headlights, rear lights, blinkers, and hazards are all in working order, and take note of any bulbs that need to be replaced. This is also a good opportunity to take care of those pesky warning lights on your dashboard display - if your lights are flashing don’t go crashing!

☑ The Three B’s

No, we’re not talking about Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Unfortunately, we’re not that fancy. We’re talking about brakes, batteries, and belts. Let’s get started with what makes you stop. Your brakes are an essential part of a safe driving experience. Shuddery stops or screechy sounds are some obvious signs it’s time to replace your brakes, but it’s also good practice to have your automotive technician take a peek during your regular maintenance appointments.

Back to school season is also the perfect time to have your battery checked. Fluctuating temperatures will become more intense in the coming months, meaning the chemical process that occurs within your battery slows down, which in turn makes it harder to start your vehicle. If your car is sluggish to start, or you notice your dashboard lights and/or radio are giving you trouble, you might be due for a new battery. 

Last but not least - seat belts. Seat belts are one of the simplest ways to avoid a fine, serious injury, or even death. In fact, wearing a properly fitted seat belt saves thousands of lives every year. Take a moment to test each of your vehicle’s seat belts, and make sure you wear them securely for maximum protection. 

☑ Be Prepared

It’s time to take a lesson from the Boyscouts (or Scar from Lion King) - be prepared! In the words of the late Ben Franklin, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” So make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency, or even an inconvenience, like running out of gas, locking your keys in your car, etc. Have a plan in place and the resources you need readily available for whatever obstacles you may encounter on your daily commute. Checking the weather forecast, traffic reports, and knowing your route are simple ways to keep you safe and on schedule.