With the new school year ahead, now is the ideal time to make sure your vehicle is fitted to handle the carpools, college commutes, and rides back to the office. Regardless of who you are and where you are, back-to-school season affects all drivers. Here are some of our top tips on how to have your vehicle in good shape to handle the busy mornings and afternoon traffic!
Step 1: Inspect Your Tires
Most people neglect their tires, but it is one of the most important safety aspects of the automobile. The first thing you should check is tire tread. Your wheels are legally required to have a minimum of 2/32" on their ridges to be considered operational. Tires that don't have enough track are hazardous for the many reasons:
- Weak and slow stopping power
- Increased likelihood of a tire blowout
- Loss of traction on wet roads
Step 2: Get An Oil Change
Motor oil is incredibly vital to your engine's health and functionality. Oil is in charge of reducing friction, keeping wear and tear to a minimum, and removing sludge from your engine. The average car requires new oil anywhere between 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on whether it needs conventional, synthetic, or a blend of both. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to engine oil.
Step 3: Give Your Brakes a Look
Your brakes are another essential safety feature that could wear out anytime during the school year. It would be best to routinely check your brakes since they are necessary for your and your kids' safety. Whenever you have your tires rotated, feel free to ask your technician to inspect your brake pads and see how much wear they have. Worn-out brakes can eventually disable your motor vehicle from being able to stop at all.
Step 4: Refill Your Essential Fluids
Your car has critical fluids that need to be replaced over time. When inspecting your fluids, you should ensure they are free of contaminants or debris to ensure their optimal function. If any of them looks filthy and grimy, consider getting the system flushed altogether.
If any of the following components mentioned above require attention, please take your car to Richman Automotive & Towing. Our experienced team will have your car ready to take on any challenges during the back-to-school season. Give us a call or visit our shop in Des Moines, IA, today!