Although it may still feel like summer time outside, back-to-school time is right around the corner. August is always a busy month for parents and kids. Parents are trying to squeeze in last minute vacations and the kids are wanting to play with their friends all day! One item that is not usually on the top of the to-do list when heading back to school is your vehicle maintenance. Whether you’re attending high school, heading back to college or you’re the chauffeur for your family, your vehicle is going to need a little TLC before heading back to school and work!

Under the Hood

Open up your hood and check your fluid levels of engine oil, coolant and transmission, and brake and power steering fluid. Your owner’s manual will illustrate where everything is located and the proper levels to maintain! Also while you are under the hood, check for any leaks and locate the source if there are leaks. Check the battery also.

Check the Tires

Check the tires for uneven tread wear, nails or other potential hazards. One easy way to check tread depth is inserting a penny into a groove—if any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is obscured, you have enough tread. Check the pressure on each tire with a gauge when they’re cold (not driven). Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested pressure, which is located on most vehicles on a sticker inside the driver’s door, center console, glove compartment lid or in the owner’s manual. Also, make sure the spare tire is inflated and a jack, lug wrench and jumper cables are in the trunk!

Check the Lights

This is a good time to get your kids involved in the preventive maintenance checklist review. Have him or her get in the car and turn on the headlights, turn signals and emergency flashing lights as you walk around the vehicle to make sure they are working. Check the brake lights by having him or her press the brake pedal, too. Vehicles can have many different types of bulbs and they have varying lifespans, according to Firestone. Inspect your vehicle regularly to ensure your lights are working properly.

Make sure to schedule a service appointment with one of our certified technicians that will be able to service your vehicle and get you back on the road! Doing routine maintenance on your vehicle will not only ensure your safety on the road, but it will also prolong the life of your vehicle!

At All Star Automotive, we offer a wide range of automotive services to make every step of your ownership experience as easy as possible, whether you’re shopping around for a new, used or certified pre-owned vehicle, or need repairs from certified experts.

To help you find just what you’re looking for, our new inventory and used inventory search provides plenty of options. And when you’re ready, quick credit approvals and online financing help make your purchase go smoothly and efficiently. You can also schedule your service online and get the expertise of one of our factory-trained technicians. All these options are available at Baton Rouge’s favorite place to buy and service vehicles – All Star Automotive! Proudly serving Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Zachary, Baker, Denham Springs, Prairieville, Hammond and surrounding areas.