Shopping for school clothes and supplies is probably the first thing that comes to mind when getting your kids ready for back to school. But now think about how much time most parents spend running the kids to and from school and extracurricular activities. Shouldn’t preparing your car for the new school year be equally as important, given the precious cargo your car carries? We think so.
To ensure a safe and seamless transition into the new school year, here are several things for you to consider when getting your car ready for back to school.
Get it cleaned
Just like you make sure your kids are clean and ready for school, the same effort and energy should be applied to your car. Giving it a thorough wash and hoover (including cleaning out all those dropped snacks between the seats and juice spills) before school starts is a great way to spring back into action.
Car seats
In addition to child locks, you also want to make sure you are traveling with the correct child seats (i.e. car seats, booster seats or booster cushion), and that those seats are installed correctly, if you have younger children riding in the car with you. This is a legal requirement and you can be heavily fined if caught by the police, not to mention putting your child’s safety at risk.
Tyres
Be sure to check the tires for uneven tread wear, leaks or any other potential hazards before hitting the road with the children.
Under the bonnet
Because you’ll be driving your kids around throughout the school year, it’s wise to make sure that everything is “good under the hood.” This includes checking the fluid levels for engine oil, coolant and transmission, brake and power steering fluid as well as windshield fluid.
Lights and wipers
Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
Brakes
Get an annual brake inspection. The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before the new school year gets in full swing, make sure that your brakes are functioning properly. Schedule a brake inspection and look for signs that your vehicle may need a brake service, such as an illuminated brake light or screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
Emergency kit
You can never be too careful when you have a car full of active and on occasion, accident-prone children. For that reason, it’s good to check and restock your car emergency kit to be prepared for any situations that could arise. Some things you might consider having are: first aid kit, jumper cables, triangle reflectors, torch, and extra batteries. It is also worth keeping a bottle of water along with some snacks to keep the little ones occupied.
Going back to school means more drop offs, pick up’s, practices, field trips and functions. More activities mean’s more passengers and more cargo! While the school year might be just around the corner, it’s not too late to get your car back-to-school ready.
Whether you’re sending the kids off to preschool, primary, secondary, or college, Bodymek can help you make sure your vehicle is prepared to handle the extra miles as soon as the bell rings!
