Back to school car care checklist: how to maintain your car after the holidays

The holiday season often means long drives, family trips, and heavier use of your car. As the back-to-school rush approaches, many parents focus on uniforms and stationery but forget about their vehicle. A well-maintained car ensures safer school runs, avoids costly repairs, and keeps fuel costs under control.

In this article, we will cover simple yet effective car care tips to prepare your car for the new school season.

Why Car Maintenance After Holidays Is Important

Long-distance trips, heavy traffic near the Woodlands Checkpoint, and even idling in holiday jams can put extra strain on your vehicle. Without proper checks, you risk:

• Higher fuel consumption and rising expenses due to petrol prices

• Unexpected breakdowns during busy school mornings

• Reduced tyre grip and braking performance

• Safety issues if your car was heavily loaded during holiday travel

By carrying out timely inspections, you can ensure stress-free school drop-offs.

Car Care Checklist for the Back-to-School Rush

1. Check Tyres and Brakes

Worn tyres and weak brakes are dangerous, especially when rushing to school. Look for cracks, uneven wear, and test your brake response.

2. Inspect Fluids and Oil Levels

Engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant are essential for smooth performance. If you have been driving long distances, schedule an oil change.

3. Test Your Battery

Cold mornings or long idle times can weaken batteries. A quick check ensures you will not face starting problems when in a hurry.

4. Keep Lights and Wipers in Top Shape

Clear visibility is crucial during early morning drives. Replace worn wiper blades and ensure all lights are working.

5. Clean and Refresh the Interior

Back-to-school means daily use. A clean car interior is more comfortable for children and helps keep the car in good condition.

Extra Tips to Save Time and Money

• Plan your route and check live updates using the traffic camera feature to avoid jams.

• Monitor petrol prices regularly to save on fuel costs.

• If your car is showing signs of age, get a car valuation and consider whether it is time to sell your car for a newer model.

• Use the loan calculator to plan upgrades to a more reliable family car.

• Ensure your car insurance is up to date before school reopens.

How the Motorist App Can Help

The Motorist App is a smart tool that simplifies car ownership. From tracking petrol prices and insurance renewals to receiving reminders about car servicing, the app helps you stay on top of every detail. It also makes selling or upgrading your car easier by connecting you with verified dealers.

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school season is a busy time for families. Ensuring your car is safe and ready for daily school runs can save you stress, money, and time. A quick inspection now will give you peace of mind for the months ahead.

Motorist makes car ownership simple with services like Sell Car, Car Valuation, Car Insurance, Petrol Prices, Traffic Camera, and more.

Get your car ready for the school season. Download the Motorist App or visit Motorist.my today to manage your car needs, sell your car, and enjoy smarter ownership. 

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Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.