School is back in session, which means the daily routine is back too. Early morning school drop-offs, afternoon pickups, soccer practice, football games, after-school activities, errands, and everything in between can add up to a lot of extra time on the road.

For parents, the last thing you want is for a vehicle breakdown to interrupt an already busy schedule. Before your family gets fully into the back-to-school routine, it's a good idea to make sure your vehicle is ready for the extra driving. A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid unexpected problems later. 

More Driving Means More Wear and Tear 

During the summer, your vehicle may not have been driven as consistently. Once school starts, your vehicle can quickly go from occasional trips to multiple trips every day.

That extra driving puts additional wear on important components such as :

• Brakes
• Tires
• Battery
• Engine and transmission
• Steering and suspension
• Cooling system
• Belts and hoses
• Fluids and filter

Small problems can become bigger problems when they are ignored. A brake pad that is getting low, a weak battery, or a tire that is losing air may not seem urgent when you're only driving occasionally. But when you're suddenly driving every day, those issues can become much harder to ignore.

Don't Wait for a Warning Light

One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is waiting until something goes wrong before their vehicle is checked.

Your vehicle can have developing problems without turning on a warning light. Strange noises, vibrations, pulling to one side, difficulty, squeaking when braking, or changes in how the vehicle drives can all be signs that something needs attention.

If you have noticed something different about your vehicle, back-to-school season is a good time to have it looked at before it turns into a breakdown.

Keep Your Kids Safe on the Road

Back-to-school driving isn't just about avoiding an inconvenient breakdown. It's also about making sure your vehicle is safe for all those trips with your family. Before the school year gets busy, consider having your brakes, tires, steering, suspension, lights, and other safety-related components inspected. It's much better to find a problem in the shop than to discover it while you're rushing to get the kids to school

And don't forget about your tires. Proper tire pressure and good tread are important for handling, braking, and overall safety-especially when you're driving your kids around town every day.

A Few Simple Back-to-School Vehicle Tips

Before the school routine gets hectic, take a few minutes to check:

Check your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure and check for unusual wear.

Pay attention to your brakes. Squeaking, grinding, vibration, or a brake pedal that feels different should not be ignored.

Check your battery. If your vehicle has been slow to start, don't wait until it leaves you stranded in the school parking lot.

Check your fluids. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other fluids all play an important role in keeping your vehicle running properly.

Pay attention to warning signs. Unusual noises, smells, leaks, vibrations, or changes in the way your vehicle drives are worth having inspected.

Keep up with maintenance. Follow your manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to help keep your vehicle reliable throughout the school year.

Don't Let a Breakdown Disrupt Your Family's Schedule

Back-to-school season can be busy enough without adding an unexpected repair to your calendar. Whether you're driving to school every morning, taking the kids to practice, running errands, or spending your evening at activities, your vehicle has a lot to keep up with.

Taking care of preventative maintenance now can help give you peace of mind when you're on the road.

At All-Star Automotive, our goal is to help keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and ready for whatever your family's schedule brings. If your vehicle is due for maintenance or you've noticed something that doesn't seem quite right, don't wait for a breakdown to tell you it's time for service.