As summer winds down and school supply lists start piling up, there’s one checklist many families forget—getting your vehicle ready for the busy back-to-school season. Between morning drop-offs, after-school activities, sports practices, and weekend trips, your car, truck, or SUV is about to log more miles and face more stop-and-go traffic than it has all summer. (Not to mention the car rider pickup line experience.)

At Payne Chevrolet, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing headaches (and tow trucks) during the school year. Here’s a simple Back-to-School Vehicle Readiness Checklist to help keep your family safe and on schedule:

1. Check Your Tires

Your tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, so make sure they’re ready for wet mornings and slick autumn leaves. Look for:

• Tread depth – If it’s below 4/32", it’s time to consider replacement.
  
  
• Air pressure – Underinflated tires can hurt gas mileage and handling.
  
  
• Signs of wear – Uneven tread might signal alignment issues.
  
  

2. Test the Brakes

School zones require quick, smooth stops. If you hear squealing, grinding, or feel a vibration when braking, get them checked immediately. Worn brakes not only increase stopping distance but can also damage rotors, leading to more expensive repairs.

3. Inspect Lights and Wipers

With shorter days coming, headlights and brake lights are essential for visibility. Test all exterior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs. Also, check windshield wipers—if they streak or skip, a fresh pair will make rainy morning drives much safer.

4. Review Fluid Levels

Oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be at proper levels. An oil change now can also help protect your engine as temperatures start to drop.

5. Test the Battery

Hot summers can weaken a battery without you noticing—until a cool fall morning leaves you stranded. Have it tested and, if it’s more than three years old, consider replacing it before it fails.

6. Secure Car Seats & Seatbelts

If you have younger kids, check that car seats are properly installed and meet current safety standards. Make sure seatbelts retract and latch smoothly for every passenger.

7. Clean & Organize the Interior

Backpacks, sports gear, and lunch boxes add up quickly. A clean, organized space reduces distractions and helps you find what you need in a hurry. Consider keeping an “emergency kit” in the trunk—jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, and basic first-aid supplies.

Why It Matters
A reliable vehicle isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about peace of mind. When you know your car is safe and road-ready, you can focus on the important things: cheering at the soccer game, helping with homework, or making it to that weekend family trip without worrying about roadside trouble.

If you’d like help checking items off your list, our service team at Payne Chevrolet in Springfield is here to make back-to-school vehicle prep simple. Schedule a visit, and we’ll make sure your family is ready to roll into the school year with confidence.

Here’s to safe travels, smooth mornings, and a great year ahead!

Visit www.paynechevrolet.com