The Simple Steps You Can Take Now to Make Back to School Easier
It may be hard to believe, but summer vacation is just about finished. Before you know it, you’ll be taking your little ones back to school. Are you worried that your car may not be ready for these daily trips?
Or do you have a college student in the family this year? Are they driving off to college in their own car? Are you concerned that your college student may be prepared for college life, but not even close to prepared for car maintenance tasks?
We created this 10-point checklist to help ease your mind this back-to-school season.
10-Point Checklist for Back to School Car Maintenance
This is a quick checklist that can help you feel more confident bout driving your children to and from school, soccer practice, band practice, or whatever after-school classes may come into play.
This list can also be helpful for college students so that they can focus on their studies and not worry so much about their ride.
- Check/Change the Engine Oil
If your college kid doesn’t know how to check their own oil level, now is the time to teach them. Even if they have a newer car, it’s always good to learn new skills so that they can be more independent.
Check the owner’s manual regarding oil change maintenance guidelines. Most cars will need an oil change every 7,500 miles, depending on the year, model, and how old the vehicle is now.
If it’s time for an oil change, or if it’s nearly time, you might want to make an appointment with the pros at Hong Kong Auto Service. Making an appointment early can help avoid last-minute problems that sometimes arise.
- Check All Interior/Exterior Lights
Most people drive less at night during the summer months when days are long. Now is the perfect time to check all lights, both inside and outside, to ensure that they are working properly.
You can back up to a large glass door (such as at a convenience store) to check your reverse lights, nighttime tail lights, and brake lights if you don’t have a helper to look for you.
Be sure to check both regular headlights and high beams, be sure that the turn signal lights work both in front and back, and that the third brake light is nice and bright.
Last, don’t forget that license plate light. It’s a small detail, but you can be ticketed for not having one.
If you find burned-out lights but don’t know how to change them, drop by Hong Kong Auto Service. We will be happy to help you.
- Check the Brakes
This is especially important if you haven’t had the brakes checked in more than a year or if they are making any type of noise or pulling to one side.
Brake pads, rotors, shoes, and drums are all wearable items that need to be replaced when worn. Is there any feeling more frightening than pressing on the brakes and not being sure that your car will stop in time?
Inspecting the brakes now will give you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe to drive. Call Hong Kong Auto Service today for an appointment so that if parts need to be ordered, there is still plenty of time before your kids head back to school.
- Check the Tires
Brakes are vital, of course, but so are tires and many people take them for granted. You wouldn’t dream of running a marathon in flip-flops, so why drive a car with worn-out tires?
The only thing between you and the road is the tires on your vehicle, so be certain that the tires on your vehicle are in top-notch condition.
If you aren’t sure about your tires or if you see strange wear patterns (bald in the middle, bald on the inside, a bubble on the sidewall) call Hong Kong Auto Service. We will be happy to inspect your tires and explain any unusual wear patterns to you.
- Check Wiper Blades
Good wiper blades are going to be very important when the first rain or snow storm hits. If you haven’t replaced your wiper blades in the past year, chances are that they are worn out or have become rotten in the summer sun.
Check both the front and rear wiper, if your vehicle has one in the back. This is also a good time to check the washer fluid and get it ready for winter weather.
If you aren’t sure how to replace your wipers, drop by Hong Kong Auto Service.
- Check/Top Off Fluids
Teach your college student how to inspect and top off various fluids under the hood, such as brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, power steering, and coolant.
Remember that coolant should be flushed and replaced every other year, automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 40-60,000 miles (check your owner’s manual for the proper recommendations), and if brake fluid needs to be topped off more than every few months, you might have a leak that should be inspected.
Sound like a big task? Call Hong Kong Auto Service today to schedule an appointment.
- Inspect/Test the Battery and Charging System
The first cold snap of fall is when a weak battery is going to bite the bullet and leave you or your college student stranded. We expect a lot of today’s car batteries, for everything from charging our phones to running our navigation systems, and more.
If your battery is more than 3 years old, let the experts at Hong Kong Auto Service test the battery for possible weak cells. We can also check the charging system and serpentine belt to ensure that it is in good working order.
Don’t get tripped up by a dead battery this fall! Yes, you can call roadside assistance, but waiting in the cold for hours is not something anyone looks forward to!
- Double Check Necessary Papers
While you hope you never need it, be sure that your vehicle, and your college student’s vehicle, have the necessary registration, insurance, and any other required paperwork (such as the roadside assistance phone number) in a folder in the glove compartment.
For college students, it’s a good idea to make a copy of their driver’s license (front and back) and keep it with the vehicle registration in case they forget their wallet or purse in their excitement.
- Stock Up or Create a Car Emergency Kit
No matter how good of a driver you are, situations can occur that are completely out of your control. (Remember the hundreds of motorists stuck in Virginia in January of this year?) Having a well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver.
Pack a couple of emergency travel blankets, glow sticks, non-perishable foods (think granola bars, candy bars, pretzels) a crank-operated flashlight, a jump starter or cables, a cell phone charger and/or extra cell phone battery pack, duct tape, gloves, a hat, a few bottles of water, and if you are taking any type of prescription medication that is vital, consider keeping a few days worth of pills in your vehicle.
If you have an emergency kit, be sure that the food and water are fresh and that any batteries are fresh or are recharged as needed.
A good book and a board game can help keep boredom at bay.
- Inspect the Spare Tire and Jack
It only takes a few minutes to inspect the spare tire and make sure that it is in good shape. Be certain that you know where the jack is located and how to use it.
While many people rely on roadside assistance, it’s always good to know how to do it yourself in case of an emergency where you can’t wait for help or if you are unlucky enough to not have a signal for your cell phone.
Does This List Sound Overwhelming?
We realize that everyone is busy with their end-of-summer vacation plans, packing for junior’s college trip, and everyday life but the truth is that nothing will interrupt your life more than a car breakdown.
Call the experts at Hong Kong Auto Service. We can handle the checklist above, make any necessary repairs or adjustments, and have your car back to you before you know it.
Why not call right now while you are thinking about it? Our friendly staff is waiting to make an appointment that is convenient for you.
Have a terrific back-to-school season and happy driving!