Back to school car checks
Monday 12th August 2024
With term about to start, getting your car ready for the school run is as important as buying new uniforms and lunch boxes. Reduce the likelihood of your vehicle developing car-breaking issues with these back-to-school car checks.
Check your tyres
Over the summer break, you may have decided to decrease your car usage, meaning your car has been sitting on the driveway for an extended period. If you’ve not driven your car for weeks, your tyres will start to lose pressure. Don’t worry though, we have many tips to help you stay on top of your tyre maintenance, such as:
- Checking the tread depth (The minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm).
- Ensuring your tyres are inflated and have enough air in them.
Start your engine
Leaving your car idle for weeks can drain your car’s battery, leading to your car not starting when you need it to. Let’s face it, having a weak or faulty battery on the first day of the new term could make that back-to-school run even more stressful! Ideally, your car battery should be replaced every five years to reduce the risk of your car stalling or failing to start at all. We recommend booking a free battery check with us, and we can replace your old car battery with a new one if the battery is faulty or old.
Inspect your windscreen wipers
Having fully functioning windscreen wipers is essential for driving in changeable conditions on the school run. Throughout the summer, you may not use your wipers as often as in the winter months, which can mean that when you need to use them, they may be a little faulty. Faulty windscreen wipers can damage your windscreen which is another cost you want to avoid. It is essential to check the condition of your wiper blades for potential wear and tear. As a rule, you should replace your wipers every 12 months to make your school run drive safer for you, your children and other road users.
Give your car a thorough wash
Over the school summer holidays, washing your car may have been at the bottom of your list of things to do. Before the first day of the new term, giving your vehicle a thorough clean will ensure you remove any build-up of dust, dirt and debris. The car’s undercarriage should also be washed as a build-up of dirt can lead to damage and rust going undetected. A shiny, clean car will ensure your children arrive on their first day back at school in style.
Make sure your oil and coolant levels are topped up
As the new school year begins, ensure your oil and coolant levels are topped up:
- Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, then check the minimum/maximum levels. If you need to top up the oil, check the vehicle logbook to ensure you use the correct engine oil for your vehicle.
- Check the coolant level via the coolant reservoir under the bonnet and look at the min/max level. Top up if necessary.
Test your lights and signals
Working lights and signals are essential when driving in highly congested areas like school drop-off zones and car parks. As the first school run looms, be prepared in advance. Check for any dashboard warning lights that come on when you start your car and ask a friend or family member to help you check:
- The headlights and fog lights
- Indicator lights when signalling left or right
Checking your lights and signals before the school run can help prevent any unexpected car problems.
Avoid a school run breakdown by following our 5 tips to reduce the likelihood of your car breaking down. Get your vehicle ready for the start of the school term by booking your MOT or service at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch today.
