It’s that time of year again for kids to return to school.  And with in-person schooling restrictions being relaxed, many children and young college adults are physically returning to school.  Whether you are a parent who participates in a carpool, or your college-aged child is driving to school on their own, it’s time to address the maintenance for those vehicles.

In this blog, we cover the critical maintenance items that you should consider for back-to-school carpooling or young adults heading off to college.

Critical Maintenance Items

Get an Oil and Filter Change

Keeping up with regular oil and filter changes is the single-most important regular maintenance item you can do for your vehicle.  Depending on how much driving you do and the type of oil you use, oil changes should be completed at least every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.  Oil keeps your engine parts lubricated, regulates temperature, and cleans engine parts.

Examine Tire Treads and Check Air Pressure

Checking your tire’s tread wear is an easy task that can be done at the same time you measure the air pressure.  Make sure to adjust your air pressure according to the tire manufacturer recommendations.  Examine the treads while inflating each tire, looking for worn grooves or any damage on the sidewall.  Investing in a tire tread depth gauge is an easy way to know whether your tires need replacing.  Never drive on bald or shallow treads, as they will not provide the necessary traction on the road and are a safety hazard.

Check and Replenish Vehicle Fluids

There are many other fluids that are critical to your vehicle’s operation besides motor oil.  Consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for information on checking these fluids such as brake, transmission, coolant, and even your windshield wiper fluid.  If these fluids are low, replenish them and look for evidence of leaks.  Leaks can be visible on the ground beneath your vehicle, or sometimes you may smell or see burning fluids.

Get Brakes Serviced

If you are prone to using your brakes often at slower speeds, such as in commuter traffic, then it’s a good idea to get them serviced.  Brake pads and rotors can become worn from wear and tear and overuse.  Worn or damaged brakes tend to make noises such as grinding, squeaking, or thumping when being used.

Check Battery Power

There’s nothing worse than having your battery die when you try to start the vehicle in the morning.  The average battery lasts from three to four years, sometimes less depending on where you live.  If you have access to a charge meter, it’s a good idea to check the charge on your battery. Also, check the battery terminals for any corrosion and make sure the cables are securely connected.  Investing in jumper cables or portable battery jumpers, is a good idea for your college students who are on the road in case they encounter an unexpected dead battery.

Replace Windshield Wipers

If you have noticed that your wipers are not performing as well, it may be time to replace them.  Wiper blades get worn from weather extremes and may crack or tear which diminishes their overall performance.  If you are changing blades, make sure to change any rear window blades too.

Replace Burned Out Headlamps

As Fall approaches, the daylight hours decrease and it’s important to have good visibility in dusk or dark road driving.  Replace any burned out bulbs, and make sure that your headlamps are positioned properly to give you maximum light while driving.

In addition to the above maintenance items, it’s always a good idea to stock up a vehicle safety kit and include the following items:

• Road flares
• First Aid Kit
• Basic tools such as a wrench, pliers, and screwdriver
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Towel
• Jumper cables

Get a head start on the school year and have your vehicle checked over to ensure it is in safe driving condition for you and your occupants.  Contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive for a full vehicle inspection.