The Car Care Council reminds us to make sure your child's back-to-school vehicle preparation is complete with this 4-point checklist:
- Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, we recommend you check the exterior and interior lights and replace any that are dimming, rapidly blinking or not functioning. Also check your wiper blades for signs of wear or and replace if necessary. Both of these items are quick and inexpensive to remedy.
- Get a brake inspection. Schedule a brake inspection and look for warning signs, such as an illuminated brake light, screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes. Brake repairs caught early can be inexpensive; wait too long and the brake repairs can add up!
- Check tires for improper inflation or excessive wear. Check tire pressure and refill under-inflated tires, including the spare, and also check for uneven wear and shallow tread depth. An inexpensive alignment service an extend the life of your tires significantly.
- Consider a back-up detection device. Install a back-up detection device that provides rear view video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can help to reduce the risk of backover incidents.
“Back-to-school time is hectic for most families, but scheduling a complete vehicle inspection is time well spent,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing your vehicle was checked by a professional technician will give you peace of mind and make all those trips to school and activities safer and less stressful.”