Yep, it's that time of year again!
Believe it or not it’s almost time for the kids to go back to school already. For parents, that means making sure that your car, minivan, SUV or other kid-hauler is up to speed on auto repair and maintenance.
Don’t forget, these all also apply to a college-bound student’s car – make sure that your college-age kid knows how to check the essentials and stay abreast of maintenance and auto repair needs!
Brakes:
Have you noticed your brakes feeling “soft” or “spongy?” Does the brake pedal go farther toward the floorboard than it used to? Are you hearing grinding or squealing noises fro the brakes? Is the Brake or ABS light on the dashboard lit up? Don’t put off this crucial auto repair…get it done before it gets any worse!
Tires:
Everyone tends to not think about their tires until there’s a problem. Go around with a tire gauge and check the inflation level, while the tires are cold. Underinflated tires use more fuel, affect handling and can be a safety issue. Do the sidewalls look good, with no cracking or irregularities? How long has it been since the tires were rotated? Is the tread depth good? Don’t forget to check the spare for inflation and condition. There’s nothing worse than having a flat and finding out that your spare tire is either flat or dry-rotted.
Battery:
Extreme hot weather or extreme cold can stress a battery. Check your battery’s sale date, and look for fluffy white or greenish deposits of corrosion around the battery posts and clamps. This is a simple and quick auto repair item that can save you a lot of headaches!
Trouble bag:
This one’s important for moms or for college-bound students either one. A well-stocked trouble bag might include a good flashlight (dynamo-style, with no batteries to run down), first-aid kit, hazard triangle or highway flares, duct tape, Leatherman-style multi-tool for makeshift auto repairs, protein-rich snacks and $20-50 in small bills and change. It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!
Knowledge:
Make sure that your college-age kid knows how to check tire inflation, change a tire, check motor oil and coolant and take care of basic auto repair items.
Auto repair and maintenance isn’t something you want to have to worry about as the kids go back to school.
Give us a call at Exit5 Auto Group and let us take care of your auto repair needs before the school year gets underway!