Summer heat and driving places extra stress on your vehicle's engine and tires. Is your vehicle ready for the extra demands of back-to-school activities?

"There is always a lot to do before school starts and making sure your vehicle is running efficiently should be at the top of that 'to-do' list," said Nathan Perrine, executive director of the Car Care Council.

According to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council, eight out of 10 vehicles fail at least one component of a standard inspection. That’s one reason Perrine put together the council’s "Five Point Check-Up," a maintenance and safety guide for parents and college students who rely on their vehicle for transportation.

Perrine recommends a pre-fall vehicle check-up and offers the following list of suggestions.

Tires and Wheels

August is filled with last-minute family road trips before Labor Day and preparations for the back-to-school season.

A tire and wheel inspection prep your vehicle for long-distance travel and months of school drop-offs.

• Check tire pressure: Summer heat and fluctuating temperatures affect tire pressure. Inflate tires to recommended specifications.
• Inspect tread wear: Many highway miles and heavy load can cause tire wear. Replace tires with significant tread wear.
• Wheel alignment: If your vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center have the alignment checked and corrected to prevent premature tire wear. 

Brake Performance

Summer traffic, mountain roads and a fully loaded vehicle puts added strain on your vehicle braking system.

Before daily school commutes, ensure your brakes are ready to handle frequent stops around school zones and busy intersections.

• Inspect brake pads: Replace worn brake pads for dependable stopping power.
• Check brake fluid: Ensure the brake fluid is clean and at the recommended level for reliable braking performance.
• Listen for unusual noises: Squealing or grinding sounds may indicate worn brake components that require attention.

Air Conditioning

Even with summer winding down, hot August afternoons can continue well into September in many regions of North America.

A well-functioning air conditioning system is crucial for comfort and reduces driver fatigue during school runs.

• Confirm cooling performance: Make sure the air conditioner delivers cold air consistently.
• Replace the cabin air filter: A clean filter improves airflow and reduces contaminants inside the vehicle.
• Investigate unusual odors: Musty smells from the vents may indicate mold, mildew or debris in the ventilation system.

Essential Fluids

Long-distance summer travel and high temperatures can place extra stress on your vehicle's vital fluids

Before your routine shifts from vacation driving to daily school transportation, check the fluids that protect your engine and drivetrain.

• Inspect engine oil: Replace old or contaminated oil if your vehicle is due for service after summer travel.
• Examine coolant: Check the coolant level and inspect for rust, debris or discoloration to avoid overheating.
• Look at transmission fluid: Heat reduces the effectiveness of the transmission fluid, check the fluid level and condition for smooth engine performance.

Battery

Drivers usually associate battery failures with winter, but extreme summer heat can be also damaging.

Late summer is the ideal time to insect your battery before the daily demands of back-to-school commuting put it to the test.

• Check the battery: Late summer is the ideal time to inspect your battery before the daily demands of carpooling and commuting.
• Test the battery: Have the battery tested to evaluate its condition and remaining charge before risking running late due to a weak or dead battery.
• Inspect battery terminals: Remove corrosion and ensure connections are secure.
• Test the charging system: Confirm the alternator is properly charging the battery while the engine is running.

Exterior Lighting

As summer gradually gives way to fall, daylight hours become shorter and increase the likelihood of students traveling to or from school in low-light conditions. 

Fully functioning exterior lights enhance visibility and communicate your intentions to other road users.

• Inspect headlights: Make sure they provide adequate nighttime visibility, inspect for cloudy or yellowed lenses which can reduce illumination.
• Check brake lights and turn signals: Replace any burned-out bulbs or damaged light assemblies before they compromise safe driving.

Suspension and Steering

Summer vacations mean thousands of additional miles on highways and rough roads.

As the school year begins, ask your service advisor to inspect your vehicle's suspension and steering system for signs of wear.

• Inspect shocks and struts: Look for leaks or excessive wear that can affect ride quality and stability.
• Confirm steering response: Ensure the steering wheel feels smooth, precise and responsive with no looseness or vibrations.
• Check ball joints and tie rods: Worn steering components can reduce handling precision and accelerate tire wear.

Preparing Teen Drivers for the School Year

The school season also means newly licensed drivers heading back to school, sports practices and part-time jobs.

Parents can use these reminders to reinforce safe driving habits with their teens before back-to-school traffic increases and school zones become busy. 

• Check tire pressure every month: Properly inflated tires improve handling and braking performance.
• Avoid distracted driving: Keep mobile phones out of reach and stay focused on the road.
• Be extra careful in school zones: Slow down, obey stop laws and remain alert for children crossing unexpectedly.

Final Back-to-School Maintenance Reminders

Before summer officially comes to an end, schedule any remaining maintenance your vehicle needs.

Completing these tasks reduces the chances of unexpected repairs during the busy school season.

• Inspect belts and hoses: Hot temperatures can cause belts and hoses to crack, harden or weaken, which increases the risk of roadside breakdowns.
• Check for open recalls: Complete any outstanding safety recalls before regular school travel becomes part of your routine.
• Stay on schedule: Review your vehicle's maintenance schedule with your service advisor to ensure your vehicle is reliable for the remaining months of the year.