Vehicle Checklist For Car Pool Season
By NAPS,
North American Precis Syndicate
. New York
,
NY
.

Photo:
NAPS
Carpooling can save time, money and the environment—and make getting to school more fun. (NAPS) |
(NAPSI)—If any of the nearly 56 million children in the country
getting ready to go back to school via car pools are yours, you can help make
sure all the vehicles involved are kid safe and road ready with a five-point
checklist:
1. 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.
2. Get an annual brake inspection.
The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before
car pool 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.
3. Check tires for underinflation or excessive wear. Check tire pressure
and refill underinflated tires, including the
spare, 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.
4. 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, the site has information about how to install car seats as well as
guidelines on selecting a car seat or booster based on your child’s age
and size.
5. Consider a back-up detection
device. Consider having a back-up detection device installed that
provides rearview video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While
drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can help to reduce the
risk of backover incidents along with following
other prevention tips from NHTSA.
“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.”
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car
Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of
regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.
Learn More
For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room
at http://media.carcare.org. To order
a free copy of the popular “Car Care Guide,” visit the council’s
consumer education website at www.carcare.org.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)
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