Now that summer is behind us and many children are back-to-school this year in person, it’s time to think about the weekly carpool again.  If you are a parent who participates in a neighborhood carpool, or you have sent your college-aged child back to college, vehicle maintenance should be a priority.

In this month’s blog, we share our top list of maintenance items to keep your vehicle operating safely as you begin carpooling or your college-aged students hit the road to school.

Oil and Filter Change

For most vehicle owners, oil and filter changes are an ongoing maintenance item.  But sometimes we get busy, and oil changes may be neglected.  If it has been a while since your last oil and filter change, checking the oil level and color will be a good indication for you.  If the oil is very dirty (dark and gritty), an oil change is a necessity.  Depending on your driving habits, and the type of oil you use in your vehicle, most oil changes are necessary between 5,000 and 7,000 miles driven.  Remember, synthetic oils will give you more time in between changes but will cost more up front.

Tire Inspection and Inflation

Having good working tires is a critical safety item.  You want your tires to be able to maintain ground control on turns and in inclement weather situations, such as rain or snow.   If you drive on rough road conditions, your tires may have become misaligned and could develop wear on the treads.  If you have an onboard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), you should easily be able to see the air pressure on your tires.  It’s also advisable to use an air pressure gauge and check them manually, and while you do, inspect the treads for any wear or damage.  There are inexpensive gauges that you can purchase to check tread depth.  If treads are worn, replace your tires.

Battery Health

Your vehicle’s battery is responsible for the initial ignition of your engine, along with powering various controls and systems.  Don’t let your battery go dead when you are on the road or late for picking up the kids at school.  Have your battery charge checked by a service professional or purchase an inexpensive battery charge meter.  You may want to also purchase battery charging kits and a set of jumper cables.  Make sure to always inspect your battery to ensure that cables are securely connected, and there is no evidence of corrosion on the cable connectors.

Other Fluid Level Checks

Besides motor oil, your vehicle needs other fluids to perform a similar function of lubrication, cleaning, and temperature control.  These include the transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering, and windshield wiper fluids.  If you are not familiar with where the fluid reservoirs are located or how to check them, consult with your vehicle owner’s manual for information.  Always keep an eye beneath your vehicle for any evidence of fluid leaks.  If you notice evidence of a leak, have a service professional at Colonial Service Station check your vehicle for possible leaks.

Brake Inspection

Another important safety item for your vehicle are the vehicle brakes.  This is one system you do not want to fail when you need it the most.  If you are hearing unusual sounds during braking or turning, there may be a developing issue with your brakes.  Brake pads and rotors can be worn easily by overuse and damage from road surfaces.

Headlight and Taillight Check

As we enter the Fall season, it begins to get dark earlier in the day.  Make sure that your headlamps are all in working order, and balanced so you are maximizing your beams.  Do a simple check of both front and rear lights to make sure that they are all lit.

By having your vehicle serviced for these items, you can mitigate possible roadside problems, and keep you and your occupants safe.

Contact the service professionals today at Colonial Service Station to schedule a full back-to-school inspection of your vehicle