It’s back to school time for many families in San Diego. And now is a good time to give your car a good check to be sure you and your kids are safe and sound. “Back-to-school time is hectic for most families, but scheduling a complete vehicle inspection is time well spent,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing your vehicle was checked by a professional technician will give you peace of mind and make all those trips to school and activities safer and less stressful.” We put together a few tip to make sure your car is ready for Back to School.
Get an annual brake inspection:
The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before carpool season gets in full swing, make sure that your brakes are functioning properly. Schedule a brake inspection and look for warning signs that your vehicle may need brake services, such as an illuminated brake light or screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
Check tires for under inflation or excessive wear:
Check tire pressure and refill under-inflated tires, including the spare, and look for uneven wear and check tread depth. An easy way to do the latter is by placing a penny head-down in the tread groove. If the tread does not cover Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Check lights and wipers for visibility:
With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check the exterior and interior lights and replace any that are dimming, rapidly blinking or not functioning. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
Make sure everyone is buckled up:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website has important tips on seat belt fit and position. For the younger ones riding along, Nissan started a Snug Kids® Program designed to help parents find the right seat for their vehicle while also providing valuable tips on the proper fit and installation of a Child Safety Restraint System (CRS).
Consider confidence-boosting safety technology:
Consider having a back-up detection device installed that provides rear-view video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. Many new vehicles like the new Nissan Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, Kicks, Murano, and Titan come standard with 6 safety features that look out for you in every direction. Safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. While drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can step in to help keep you safe.*
*Nissan Safety Shield technologies can’t prevent all collisions or warn in all situations. See Owner’s Manual for important safety information.
If you prefer to have your vehicle checked by a professional, schedule a service appointment at one of our seven Mossy Nissan Service Centers. Our Nissan certified and factory-trained technicians will make sure your car is ready for Back to School Carpools!
CREDIT: http://www.carcare.org/vehicle-checklist-back-school-carpool-season-2/
