School supplies are in stores and that means another school year is right around the corner.

You make sure your children are prepared for their first day by getting them the supplies they need, we want to make sure your vehicle is ready, too! Here is a simple car care checklist to ensure you’ll hit the road problem-free.

1. Schedule your car for routine maintenance.

Just like getting the kids in for their yearly checkups, getting your vehicle in for its scheduled services is just as important. A routine vehicle check of your oil, tires, battery, windshield wipers, brakes, air filters, and fluids can help avoid a problem later. Plus, spotting an issue early could help avoid more costly repairs down the road.

2. Ensure all lights on your vehicle are working.

Temperature changes can cause headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights, and running lights to burn out. Take a walk around your car to ensure all lights are bright and working properly. Have a friend or family member help you check the rear lights on your car, including the brake and backup lights. If you have dirty or foggy headlights or broken or burnt-out bulbs, you can find inexpensive remedies at a local parts store or one of our 26 local Leith dealerships.

3. Check the air in the spare.

The only thing worse than getting a flat tire is finding out your spare is flat when you go to use it. The best way to ensure that you always have a good spare is to check the air pressure when you check your other tire’s pressure. *Note- spare tires have a different PSI than normal tires. You can find the information on the spare itself. If you aren’t sure, contact your local dealership for help.*

4. Clean and organize your vehicle.

After a full and fun summer, remnants are always left behind in your vehicle. Whether it’s water shoes from that trip to the lake or crumbs from those road trip snacks, it’s always a good idea to fully declutter and clean your car before the start of the school year.

Remove everything from your vehicle and vacuum it thoroughly. (Don’t forget to look under the seats for any hidden “treasures” that may have been missed.) Clean all windows and the windshield inside and out to ensure good visibility and wipe down all interior surfaces with proper cleaning supplies.

5. Organize and stock your vehicle in case of an emergency

There are a few essentials you should always have in your car: a basic medical emergency kit, jumper cables, flashlight, tire pressure gauge, basic tools including a small screwdriver, bits, sockets, and of course, duct tape are all a good idea. Hopefully, you will never need it, but you will be glad you have it if you do.

6. Ensure you have all the proper paperwork before you hit the road.

Proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and your driver’s license are essential to have in your car. If your insurance policy includes “roadside assistance,” be sure to have that contact information as well.

Being proactive when it comes to your vehicle can not only save you time and money in the long run but will move you to the head of the class in car maintenence.

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