It's that time of year again - back to school! The excitement of a new school year begins to set in for families with school-age children. Along with the anticipation of new teachers, new classmates, and new experiences, parents have to start preparing for the school run once again.
One of the most critical parts of getting ready for the school run is making sure your vehicle is ready for the daily commute. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips and reminders to help you get your car ready for the back-to-school season.
Check your car's fluids
Before hitting the road, it's important to ensure that your car’s fluids are topped up. Check your engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.
If any of these are low or need to be replaced, get it done before the school run. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with your kids in the car.
Check the Pressure of Your Tyres
Regularly checking your tyre pressure is an essential part of car maintenance, but it's especially crucial during the back-to-school season.
Overinflated or underinflated tyres can lead to blowouts or decreased fuel efficiency. Make sure to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
To be safe, get a free tyre check by a technician to make sure they are all in working order.
Check road closures the night before
To ensure a smoother and faster commute to school, it's a smart idea to stay informed about road closures the night before.
By staying updated with local news or checking online sources, you can proactively plan an alternative route if needed. Avoiding unexpected closures reduces unnecessary stress and keeps your journey stress-free.
Stock up on Supplies
Assembling an emergency kit for your car is a wise idea any time of year, but it's particularly important during the back-to-school season. You never know when an unexpected breakdown or traffic jam will occur, so it's wise to prepare for any situation.
Your emergency kit should include first-aid supplies, a torch, blankets and water. Additionally, you might want to keep a spare phone charger in your car to ensure you can make calls in case your phone's battery runs out.
Don’t forget the emergency snacks supply too for those hungry kids after a long day of school!
Clean your car
Children can be messy, so the last thing you want is a dirty car. Before the school run begins, give your car a thorough clean. Vacuum the interior, wipe down any surfaces and windows, and get rid of any rubbish that has built up. A clean car not only looks good but is also more hygienic.
Don’t fuel-up on the way to school
Fill up your car after dropping the kids off, on your way home from work, or even after picking the kids up. This way, you will have one less thing to worry about in the morning and a much simpler school run.
Give yourself plenty of time
Allow an extra 10 minutes than needed. If your journey normally takes 10 minutes and school starts at 9am, don’t leave at 8.50am. Make sure everyone is in the car at 8.40am.
This way, you can account for any last-minute surprises on your drive, like bad traffic.
