Back To School Auto Check List

It's that time of year again!  Summer has come to an end and the start of school is around the corner.   Do you have a son or daughter headed off to college?  Driving to and from high school?  Is your carpool schedule filling up, with your kids in the car and a few extra?  Complete our Back-To-School checklist to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape!  It is always our recommendation to make sure all maintenance and safety items are checked and ready to go, as to not leave you stranded or late to school.

• Check your engine oil level and condition: This is the most basic item to check off, yet one of the most important.  Routinely checking your oil level along with having the oil exchanged will help to eliminate the level getting low, which can lead to extreme engine damage.  All vehicles need adequate engine oil to lubricate moving parts and keep engine friction to a minimum. 
• Headlights and Brake Lights:  For your safety, you need to be able to see and be seen.  Check your headlight operation and beam height.  Having your headlights pointing too low or too high will have a negative impact on your ability to see sufficiently.   
• Tires:  Will they provide the traction you need to corner and stop in rain?  Are they appropriate for the road conditions that your or your student will be driving in?  Check the tread with a penny - with the head down, can you see all of Lincoln's head?  If you can, then your tread is less than 2/32" and your tires need to be replaced.  Next, check for correct tire pressure.  Most vehicles have the recommended tire pressure on a sticker on the drivers side door frame.   Don't forget about the spare tire!! 
• Brakes:  Brake pads or shoes (and the rotors or drums they press against) are a "wear" item  and are intended to be replaced when they become thin.    Are your brakes making a grinding noise?  Do they stop your car quickly?  
• Fluid levels and condition:  This includes coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and washer fluid. Coolant and Transmission fluid  keep your engine and transmission cool and lubricated.  Coolant should be changed every 50-100,000 miles (or 4-5 years).  Transmission fluid should be flushed and filled every 40-60,000 miles.  
• Battery Condition: Check the date on the top of the battery and condition of the terminals.  Corrosion should be periodically cleaned off battery posts and cables to maintain amperage  level and a good electrical ground.

We know that you are very busy and getting to everyone's daily driver can sometimes get pushed to the side.  The Dyno Shop is here for you!  Our 55-pt inspection will cover everything on the list above and more!  We are here Monday through Saturday to help you with your needs.  Give us a call today 619-562-3933!!