It is that time again as summer fades away and the school year gets underway.  Are you ready to get into the swing of things?  If you are responsible for a carpool or just getting back on the road more often during this time of year, then you may want to consider some fall season maintenance.  In this month’s blog, we suggest the key items to think about to get your vehicle in condition for fall travel and stay safe on the busy roadways.

Maintenance Items for Safe Driving

The start of the school year means there are many more drivers and pedestrians on the roads., especially school children.  At this time of year, visibility is critical to ensure the safety of children and other vehicles.

• Vehicle Lights: The best way to see the road and for others to see you is to have fully functioning lights – that includes your front lights, high beams, brake lights, blinkers, and taillights. Check that all your lights are operable and replace any that are not illuminated.
• Wiper Blades: There is nothing worse than having worn, faulty wiper blades when you need to see through heavy rain or condensation.  If your blades have become torn, worn, or cracked, make sure to replace both front blades and any rear blades too.
• Windshield: If your windshield is filmy on the inside, this can become hazardous when there’s condensation or sunlight in your eyes.  Make sure to thoroughly clean the inside of your windshield and rear window with a strong glass cleaner like ammonia.  If there are cracks or pock marks on the glass, consider having the glass replaced.  Small cracks usually turn into large ones.  The good news is that many auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement costs.

Basic Maintenance for Performance

If you are part of a carpool, then you know that kids and parents depend on you to be on time in early morning and late afternoon pickups.  That’s why it is critical to keep your vehicle maintained with an ongoing service schedule.   If you have not been as diligent as you should be this past summer, now is the time to get your vehicle serviced on several maintenance items.  At Geller’s Automotive, we can help to identify the right maintenance routine for your vehicle that meets your budget and vehicle needs.

If it has been some time since you have serviced your vehicle, here are the basic maintenance items to prepare for fall:

• Tire Inspection and Rotation: Your tire treads will normally wear slowly over time but if there is an issue with a vehicle component like your brakes, you may notice premature wear on the treads.  Have the treads inspected, and get the tires rotated to ensure they are getting even wear.
• Oil and Filter Change: With synthetic oils used more often, oil changes are less frequent. But if you are not sure when you had your last oil change, the cost of a change outweighs any damage that may result from dirty motor oil running through your vehicle’s engine.
• Brakes: If you notice a decline in braking performance, have your brakes inspected for wear.  The brake pads and rotors can become worn down and diminish your overall braking ability.
• Battery Charge: Vehicle batteries usually last between 3-5 years.  Have your battery checked for its charge and if there are issues, have it replaced.  This will save you a lot of headaches when you need to get somewhere, and your vehicle will not start.

Back to School Safe Driving

Besides the maintenance of your vehicle, make sure to use extra caution this time of year when on the road.

Here are a few safe driving suggestions:

• Never pass a school bus and make a complete stop until the bus is back in motion.
• Respect cross walks and flashing crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
• Obey school zone speed limits.
• Pay attention when driving past children, especially when they are in groups and may not be paying attention to road traffic.
• Set your vehicle’s automatic lights so that they go on at dawn and dusk.
• Pay attention driving in areas populated by deer, they are more active at this time of year.

With a little maintenance, and some safer driving habits, you can make this return to school year an enjoyable and problem-free experience.  If you would like your vehicle serviced for the fall season, contact us at Geller’s Automotive to schedule an appointment today.