It’s that busy time of year again when everyone heads back to school, university or work, and every morning is manic! Getting the kids to school on time and then finding your way to work – all in rush hour – can be extremely stressful. The last thing you need on a hectic school run is a breakdown or an accident.
There’s a lot to think about at this time of year to prepare the children to go back to school, including uniforms, books, bags and equipment. We know it can get expensive, but by failing to prepare your vehicle for the amount of short journeys it could become even more costly if something goes wrong with your car. To help out busy parents, we’ve put together some tips and a September checklist to make sure your car is ready for the busy mornings ahead.
Warning Lights
Keep an eye on your warning lights before the term begins. If any engine lights are flashing, it’s best to get them checked out before school starts and you’ll put it off because time is tight. Visit your local garage in Hampshire where a trained professional will be able to advise on the best course of action. Replacing a part or getting something repaired might set you back now, but it could become much more costly if you persistently ignore a warning light.
Protect Engine
If your vehicle makes lots of short journeys, possibly just to school twice a day and the local supermarket, then it could suffer from more engine wear. This is because the engine doesn’t have time to warm up properly during the journey. To help protect your engine on short journeys, you could leave your car idle for a few minutes before setting off. Use this time wisely to check your children have everything they need for the day while sat in the car, so there’s time to nip back inside for a packed lunch or PE kit!
Have a clear out
Now is the time to clear the boot, the glove compartment and all the pockets in the vehicle to make space for the school run. Have a deep clean so the daily ride is as comfortable as possible.
School Run Checklist
- Deep clean inside: remove rubbish and other items
- Stock up: what could you need at short notice? Baby wipes, first aid kit, water etc
- Check dashboard for warning lights
- Check tyre pressure
- Check oil and water levels
- Check all lights are working
- Check you have child-friendly CDs to sing along to on the way to school!