Photo by A+ Japanese Auto Repair
As we get closer to school being back in session, some of us will see first-time drivers emerging from our own homes. High school seniors will be driving to school for the first time, and some of us will be sending our kids out of the nest and off to a university or a college.
Our kids are young. Some are inexperienced drivers who will be going back to school while our even younger children may be walking or bicycling to school-- sometimes on the same roads. It’s crucial that we send our kids out in safe and reliable cars.
Here are the ten car repairs you shouldn’t put off before school starts:
Check the Brakes- Brakes are number one for a reason. Kids will dart in and out of the road on their way to and from school. Drivers, young and old, need all the reaction time they can get.
Check the Battery - People often forget that batteries have water or a gel solution in them. After a hot summer, it’s essential to check the leads for corrosion and make sure the battery itself has been load tested as well as inspected for the proper solution levels.
Top-up Fluids - You need fluids throughout the car. Brakes, coolant, windshield wipers, transmission, the engine -- everything in a combustion engine needs a fluid lubricant to keep it running smoothly. Make sure to keep the fluids clean and topped off, or ask your mechanic for help!
Change the Oil Filter - With a new season approaching, be sure to get ahead of your filter’s replacement and get your vehicle’s components lubricated at the same time.
Inspect Hoses and Belts/Chains - Check your hoses and belts (or chains) for wear and damage. Have your mechanic replace anything that has excessive wear now before a breakdown occurs.
Inspect, Inflate, and Rotate the Tires - Make sure your tires have enough tread on them and get them rotated. Replace any tires with bad tread wear or steel belting peeking through the rubber. Oh, and don’t forget the spare tire in your trunk-- have all five tires inflated to the proper PSI.
Replace the Windshield Wiper Blades - It’s a small thing, but poor visibility leads to insufficient reaction time. Make sure you can see the road clearly as you head into the rainy season.
Replace the Air Filters - Don’t forget that your car went through a heavy pollen season and possibly through summer fires, too. Make sure clean air filters are in the engine and the cabin.
Check the Transmission - If you have difficulty switching gears, get it looked at now before it turns into a dangerous distraction or a sidelining complication!
Order a Tune-Up Service - A+ Japanese Auto Repair offers a $145 Summer Service Special - a 5,000-mile service - that can catch you up on many of these issues before the summer is over.
We’re here to help get your vehicle ready before the hectic pace of going back to school. Schedule an appointment today at A+ Japanese Auto Repair today. We are conveniently located at 780 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070.