School season vehicle check ups!

We all know this time of year is stressful, hectic, overwhelming, nearly as busy as holiday time, and a plethora of other synonyms. The last thing anyone is thinking about is car maintenance. Why would you if everything is running and no lights are on? It may be wise to consider a general check-up this time of year to catch any concerns early on, but also just to make sure everything is fine.

We drive these metal beasts daily with the trust that when something's wrong, a light will go off or the car will stop working, but it doesn't always alert you before there is a problem, does it? Some newer cars may catch an early issue most of the time, but machines and computers are not foolproof—not yet anyway. No one wants to be driving to school, the bus stop, after-school activities, or last-minute doctor appointments when their car breaks down or the dashboard lights up.

Servicing your vehicle regularly can help mitigate those chances. Have you checked when your oil needs changing again? Do you have that saved in your phone or on a calendar you check regularly? How about the last time your fluids were topped off? A general diagnostic for your car can be much like a routine doctor check-up. While something doesn't necessarily have to be wrong, it doesn't hurt to have a well-check with general testing done just to ensure that everything is running smoothly, and if not, then to avoid those unwelcome surprises.

It would be nice to know if your A/C filter will definitely need replacing before December. Or if your timing chain is good for now but likely only has a few months left at maximum. Now, will a general diagnostic catch every possible problem a car could have? Not necessarily; there can still be service issues that just seem to appear. However, keeping a good schedule for your car's health can help lower the amount of 'big' problems you may face in the lifetime of your vehicle from little or no maintenance.

Our hope is to spread awareness about the benefits of general maintenance and hopefully avoid last-minute breakdown panics, especially during this already busy time. Plus, if you have a few months in advance before a service, why not prepare now? Any of us parents know back-to-school shopping has become heavier and heavier with the financial strain over the years and seems to be a shock each year at how much is on that list (did it double? I swear it did). Your vehicle shouldn't always be a shock or strain to fix up, especially if we can prep ahead of time for a service.

Do you schedule regular check-ups or tune-ups for your car? Full service top-off for fluids? Have you ever been shocked by your car breaking down right before your kids' classes start? It can be very scary, upsetting, and frustrating—let us help alleviate some of those worries.

Additional note about car care for anyone who knows parents with little ones still in car seats: did you know that any fire station can check the safety of your car seat and even help you install it properly? Have you checked the expiration date on the car seat? Did you know there was an expiration date on car seats? Does the seat wiggle or move even when tightened down? Consider swinging by a firehouse. Or has it been in an accident?

If that last answer is yes, it's time for a new car seat. Now, some fire stations will have extras; others will offer resource guides for requesting a free one if you are interested. Even though it may feel silly to go ask for help, nothing is more important than your little one's safety in the vehicle. Personally, I am willing to deal with some embarrassment if it meant I was certain my car seat was perfectly installed.

I am aware we live in the age of technology, but for all the YouTube videos out there, and all the people telling you to just google it. I know first hand, getting those contraptions in the car and locked down tight enough for factory standards isn't as easy as it looks. I think I would rather pass on the rope-burned hands and aching biceps—all to still have a wobbly car seat, mind you—and just go get the free help.

What are your thoughts? How did your first time installing an infant car seat go? How about a big kid booster with the high back? Stay tuned for another post that will have more information regarding car seat safety with some local resources. Because sometimes everyone needs a little bit of help, and there is no shame in asking.

As always, we wish the best to you and yours. Thank you for being here today, and we look forward to your own thoughts, stories, and experiences about car care and car seats. -Kierra and Mike