Maintenance tips: Vehicle checklist for back-to-school carpool season

Back-to-school season is here again, and this means the carpool season is here too. In connection to that, we, at Philkotse.com wanted to make sure that the back-to-school carpool season will be safe for everyone.

That’s why we prepared a vehicle checklist that will help in keeping the vehicles to be road-ready and kid-safe.

Below are some tips about the things you need to check before driving your vehicle back on the road to ensure the safety of every passenger and other road users.

1. Check the parts under the hood

One of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted maintenance issues which can potentially cost you lots of money for repair is by regularly checking the parts of your car located under the hood. So open the hood of your car and check the following:

Engine oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid – make sure these essential car fluids are in their right fluid levels. It's best to check your owner's manual to know where to find these car fluids and their respective proper levels you need to maintain.

 If you see any fluid leaks, its color will easily help you identify what it is for you to find the source.

>>> Check out: 4 essential care tips for maintaining your car engine.

Make sure the essential car fluids are in their right fluid levels

Battery – if your vehicle has been stocked in the garage for the whole vacation or for quite a long time, it’s best to test the car’s battery using a voltmeter. If there are any signs of reduced performance, consider replacing the battery of your car.

2. Check the tires

The tires are the vehicle’s main contact to the road which is why it is prone to have uneven tread wear.  It is also exposed to different potential hazards such as nails, and other pointy objects that can cause deflation of the tires.

The condition of the tires has a big impact on the overall ride and drive of the car. Checking the tires regularly is an important activity that every driver and car owner should do.

>>> Read more: [Tire safety tips] When should I replace my tires & How to buy suitable ones?

The condition of the tires has a big impact on the overall ride and drive of the car

 According to Bridgestone Tire, an easy way to check the depth of the thread is by inserting a coin into the groove. The pressure of each tire should also be checked. It’s best to measure the tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning, it’s not yet driven.

We recommend that you follow the suggested tire pressure of the car manufacturer – which can be found on the sticker in the glove compartment lid, inside the driver’s door, center console and can also be found in the owner’s manual.

Also, make sure your spare tire is also properly inflated and check if the lug wrench, jumper cables, and jack are stored in the trunk.

3. Check the lights and wipers

Visibility is the most important aspect when driving a car and the vehicle lights and wipers are the key things to see and be seen. These two should also be checked accordingly.

Make sure that all car lights (both the exterior and interior lights) are working. You can ask a family member or a friend to help you check the car lights. You can ask him to get inside the vehicle and turn on the signal lights, emergency flashing lights, and headlights as you roam around the car to check if all of them are working.

Also, inspect the brake lights by asking him/her to step on the brake pedal. Replace the lights that are rapidly blinking, dimming or not functioning. Remember that cars have different kinds of bulbs and their lifespan vary. Make it a habit to always inspect the lights and check if it's working.

Also, check the wiper blades if it’s showing any signs of wear and if necessary replace it.

The vehicle lights and wipers are the key things to see and be seen

4. Have a brake inspection annually

The most important safety feature of every vehicle is the braking system. So, before the carpool season gets in full swing, check if the car brakes are working properly.

Have brake inspection scheduled annually and check if there are warning signs like grinding, clicking or screeching noise when pressing the brakes and an illuminated brake light that means your car will need brake services.

Check if the car brakes are working properly

5. Check the seatbelts

Seatbelts are there for a reason, and that is to keep everyone properly seated and it will keep them in place if ever accidents happen. Seat belts prevent the passengers from being thrown out of the car due to the impact of the crash. With that said, seatbelts play an important role in keeping the occupants of car safety.

Seatbelts play an important role in keeping the occupants of the car safe

>>> Grasp your attention: Seat belts safety: 5 things you need to know.

6. Opt for a backup detection device if your vehicle has none

Most of the modern car models already have backup detection features. If your car has none, then consider installing a backup detection device that provides a warning sound or rearview video when backing up.

This device can help in reducing the risks of backover incidents. Note that you as a driver should not rely solely on this device.

Parents, students, and teachers already started preparing for the beginning of the new school year. Aside from preparing new-clothes, uniforms, bags, and school supplies, it is also important that your car is also ready for the carpool season.

Most of the modern car models already have backup detection features

Car care and maintenance is also a vital part of the back-to-school preparation for both high school and college student drivers and parents who are driving their kids to school.

The short checklist above will be a great help in getting your car as ready as you are. So, before the back-to-school carpool season officially starts, inspect and check our car.

 In addition to the checklist above, you should also familiarize yourself of the local areas you can go to in case an automotive issue arise. Check your area for automotive service centers near your home, work or school.

>>> Click to learn more useful car tips and advice