Back-to-School Car Safety Checklist 

Back-to-school season means carpools, runs to and from practice, and those tear filled campus drop-offs. Before the craziness of the school year starts, give your vehicle a quick check or schedule routine maintenance so it’s safe, reliable, and ready for those unpredictable Wisconsin weather swings.

The (no tools needed)10-Minute Driveway Check 

Catch easy fixes at home.

• Tires: Set pressure to the number on the driver’s door sticker (not the tire sidewall). Check tread with a quarter—if you can see all of Washington’s head, you’re due soon. Look for bulges or cracks – these should be addressed immediately.
  

• Lights: Verify that your headlights (low/high), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards are working. Do a quick walk-around or have someone help.
  

• Wipers & Washer Fluid: Streaking? Areas getting missed? Chattering blades? Replace those wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
  

• Leaks & Fluids: Any fresh drips under the car? Check your oil level; Find your coolant reservoir and make sure levels are between “MIN” and “MAX” (NEVER open a hot radiator).
  

• Warning Lights: This is your car’s way of telling you something is wrong. TPMS, ABS, battery, or check-engine lights on? Make a note and schedule an appointment to get them scanned.

   

Safety & Reliability Essentials (schedule if due)

Don’t get stranded on a tight school-day schedule. These items are part of regular maintenance, and if you haven’t had them checked in a while, it’s probably time.  

• Brakes: Squeal, grinding, a soft pedal, or longer stopping distances are all signs your cr needs service.
  

• Battery: At ~3 years old, test it before our first real cold snap. No one wants to be stranded with a dead battery.

   

• Belts & Hoses: Cracks, glazing (shiny spots), or squeals can signal wear.
  

• Alignment & Suspension: If it pulls to one side, the wheel is off-center, or you feel vibration, get it checked. You shouldn’t have to battle your steering wheel while driving.
  

• Heat/Defrost & A/C: Make sure defrost clears quickly and A/C still blows cold; you’ll want both during fall rain and morning fog.
  

For Teen Drivers

Set up your teen driver for success.

• Glove Box Folder: Registration, insurance, roadside assistance info, and Van Wyk Auto contact in case something does go wrong.
  

• Emergency Kit: Jumper cables, compact inflator or spare with jack and lug wrench, flashlight, first-aid kit, gloves, blanket, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, phone charger.
  

• Safety Habits: Buckle up, put the phone on Do Not Disturb While Driving, eyes up, music at a volume that allows for situational awareness.
  

• Route Rehearsal: Practice school drop-off/pick-up patterns and alternate routes before the first day (especially important for new drivers).
  

For College Commuters & Campus Drivers

Bringing a car to school is exciting. But, being on your own with a car means new responsibilities. These tips will give you (and your college driver) some piece of mind.   

• Spare Key Plan: Leave one with a roommate or local contact. Having a spare key hours away is as good as not having one.
  

• Maintenance Calendar: Plan oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled upkeep with school breaks, or if the car isn’t coming back home during school breaks, find a trusted, local mechanic ahead of time to service the vehicle.
  

• Tire Strategy: If winter driving is in the cards, make a plan now for winter tires.

• Security Smarts: Common sense steps can make all the difference. ALWAYS lock your doors. Don’t leave valuables visible. Park in areas with lights/cameras.

   

If You’re Tire Shopping Soon

A quick guide to choosing confidently:

• Tires are the most important piece of equipment when it comes to stopping, starting, and cornering. Choose quality tires.

   

• Pick the Right Type:

   

• • All-Season: Balanced option for most drivers.

     

• • All-Weather: Better cold/wet grip without going full winter.

     

• • Winter: Best traction below ~45°F and in snow/ice.

     

• Just purchased new tires? Get an alignment. Protect your new tire investment and ensure your car is tracking safely.

Red Flags—Don’t Wait!

Schedule service immediately if you notice: steering shake at highway speeds, a burning or sweet coolant smell, overheating gauge, grinding brakes, repeated TPMS warnings, or hard starts.

The beginning of the school year is stressful enough. We’ve got you.

At Van Wyk Auto, we make back-to-school prep simple: clear estimates, friendly techs, and text reminders so drop-offs fit your day. If it’s been a while—or your dashboard is talking—book a visit and we’ll get you road-ready.