It’s almost that time of year again! The back-to-school season is upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about getting our vehicles ready for the upcoming school year.
For parents, this usually means ferrying kids back and forth to school and extracurricular activities. For high school students, it may mean driving to and from school or Tafe students driving to classes. Either way, ensuring your vehicle is ready for increased activity is essential.
Here are seven ways to get your vehicle ready for back to school:
1. Check Your Brakes
One of the first things you should do is check your brakes. Over the summer months, your brakes may have taken a bit of a beating from long road trips, the stop-and-go of highway construction, or increased driving.
When it comes to checking your brakes, don’t forget the main components:
- Brake Pads: These are the part of your brakes that do the actual stopping. Check for wear and tear, as well as cracks or other damage.
- Rotors: These are the discs that the brake pads grip onto. If they’re damaged, it can cause braking problems.
- Drums: Some vehicles have drums instead of rotors. These also need to be in good condition for proper braking.
- Other Brake Components: There are a few other brake components that you should check, including the brake fluid and hoses.
If you aren’t sure where to begin with brake checks, visit FJ Manning. We can inspect your vehicle thoroughly and let you know if anything needs replacing. Various driving hazards occur in the back-to-school season, so making sure your car is up to snuff—especially your brakes—will make driving safer.
2. Wash Your Car
A clean vehicle is a happy vehicle—and it’s also less likely to have problems. During the school holidays, your vehicle may have gotten dirty from all the outdoor activities and road trips. Washing your vehicle will not only make it look better but also help to extend its lifespan.
During washing, pay special attention to the undercarriage, where a lot of dirt and grime can build up. It can be tough to clean if you let it go for too long. Over time, this build-up can cause rust and other problems inside and out.
3. Equip Your Windshield
Your windshield is your best friend when it comes to driving, so you want to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for maximum visibility. Here are a few things to consider when regarding your windscreen:
- Wiper Blades: Check your wiper blades for wear and tear. If they’re starting to look a bit beaten up, it’s time to replace them.
- Windscreen Washer Fluid: This is what cleans your windscreen when you use your wipers. Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid on hand and top it up if it’s getting low.
- Windscreen Cracks: Take a close look at your windshield for any cracks or chips. These can spread over time and cause problems with changing weather. If you see any, take your vehicle to FJ Manning for repair.
4. Check the Cooling System
Your cooling system keeps your engine from overheating, so keeping it in good working order is essential. Check the following components of your cooling system:
- Radiator: The radiator contains a coolant that helps to keep your engine temperature down. Check the level of coolant and add more if needed.
- Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the coolant flow and keeps the engine at a consistent temperature. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause overheating.
- Cooling Fans: These fans help to move air through the radiator and keep the coolant flowing. Make sure they’re in good working condition.
5. Change Your Oil
Your engine oil keeps all the moving parts of your engine lubricated and running smoothly, preventing overheating and mechanical damage. Over time, however, your oil can get dirty and break down, so it’s good practice to change it regularly.
Most mechanics recommend changing your oil every 6 months or 5000km’s. However, this may vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and the type of oil you use. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional technician at FJ Manning to be sure!
6. Restock your first aid kit
Having a first aid kit handy is always a good idea when travelling with children, as you never know when you may need to apply first aid. It is also handy to have it in your car for weekend trips.
7. Get Organised
The back-to-school season is busy, so organising your vehicle is essential. If you are like most people, your vehicle often ends up being a catch-all for all the things you don’t have time to deal with at home.
Take time to clean your vehicle and eliminate any junk accumulated over the school holidays. This will make it easier to find things when needed and help keep your vehicle tidy overall.
Consider adding a few cleaning items to your vehicle just in case, such as a small trash can, paper towels, and wipes. This way, you can quickly clean up any messes that happen on the go!
Handle Your Back-to-School Car Care with FJ Manning!
If you’re looking to get your vehicle ready for back to school, be sure to consult with FJ Manning, your number one local mechanic who is here to assist with all your back-to-school needs. We can help you with everything from changing your oil to checking your brakes.
We can also help you with more general needs, such as checking the cooling system and changing the wiper blades. No matter what you need fixed or maintained, we will help get your vehicle ready for the back-to-school season.
With your vehicle taken care of, you can focus on all the other back-to-school preparations for a great year ahead!