Car Care Tips For Going Back To School | Columbus, MS
Heading back to classes at Mississippi State? Make sure your car is at its prime performance before you drive to school.
Check Your Battery Charge
Back-to-school season means summer’s over, and unfortunately temperature fluctuations can impact your car battery. If you don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road in need of a jump, take your car to have its battery capacity tested by a pro. They can assess whether or not you’ll need a brand-new battery to get through the upcoming year’s seasonal changes.
Brake Check
Listen to your brakes when you’re in your car. Do you hear a high-pitched whine or a low grumbling sound? If so, it might be time to have your brakes checked out. Keeping your vehicle’s brakes in top shape means you’ll be able to stop more responsively for pedestrians or other vehicles in the school parking lot at Mississippi State.
Fill Up Your Fluids
Oil changes are pretty standard, but all the fluids your vehicle uses should be double-checked including brake fluid, coolant, wiper fluid and transmission fluid. All of these fluids work together to keep your vehicle in top working condition. For example, coolant keeps the engine at a stable temperature, which is crucial as the weather cools off.
Exterior Lights
Your vehicle’s lights are important. They improve visibility for both you and other people on the road; people won’t be able to see you at night if your exterior lights aren’t working. This is especially important as the days start getting shorter if you have morning or evening classes.
Inspect Tire Tread
Worn or underinflated tires don’t stop as quickly, are prone to slipping, are at higher risk for a blowout and have reduced fuel economy. It’s a good idea to check to make sure your tires get good traction before the school year starts. You can do this at home with the Penny Test. Place a penny upside down in one of the grooves of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Contact Carl Hogan Automotive for all your car maintenance needs.
