With so many tasks to complete and errands to run as the new school year begins, it is easy to forget car maintenance. Below is a quick and easy checklist to help you get started. It aims to make you feel safer and more confident on the road.
- Check brakes. Make sure you don’t hear any squealing or feel any resistance when you utilize your brakes. Brakes should be inspected annually, so if you haven’t have them checked this year, make sure you schedule an appointment.
- Inspect tires. Between the heat and potholes, tires need extra attention. Make sure you check the tread and tire pressure to ensure they are ready to handle all the upcoming pick-ups and drop offs.
- Refill/Top up fluids. Summertime heat can diminish your car’s fluids. Make sure you have sufficient coolant, oil, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid.
- Test battery. There is nothing worse than being stranded when you have important places to be so if your lights seem dimmer or your car is slow to start, have your battery tested.
- Examine lights. As days begin to get shorter in the fall, make sure all of your lights are working to their full capacity; this includes headlights, brake lights, interior lights, and turn signals.
- Assess visibility. This includes testing out your windshield wipers (front and back), backup camera, and mirrors. Make sure you can easily see all angles of your vehicle while behind the wheel.
- Complete safety check. Test out all seat belts, ensure car seats are correctly installed and are still the proper fit for children riding in them, and make sure air bags are not giving an error message.
- Verify insurance coverage. Check that your insurance information is up-to-date, accessible, and still meets your needs. If you would like to explore your coverage options, reach out to Keswick Insurance at https://www.keswickinsurance.com/contact
Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves, our passengers, and our community safe on the road.
