How the School Calendar Affects Your Car

How the School Calendar Affects Your Car

As the school year kicks into gear, it's not just backpacks and lunchboxes that are in full swing – your car is likely feeling the back-to-school hustle too. The school calendar can significantly affect your daily commute and, consequently, the wear and tear on your beloved vehicle. In this article, we'll explore the various ways in which the school calendar impacts your car and discuss simple maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle in top condition. 

Busy Roads and Stop/Start Traffic: 

With the return of students and parents hitting the roads in droves, traffic congestion becomes an inevitable part of your daily commute. Stop-and-start traffic not only tests your patience but also takes a toll on your vehicle's engine and transmission. The constant acceleration and deceleration can lead to increased fuel consumption and wear on essential components. 

Maintenance Tip: To mitigate the effects of stop-and-start traffic, consider scheduling regular maintenance checks for your engine and transmission. Ensure that your vehicle's fluids, such as transmission fluid and engine oil, are at optimal levels. 

Increased Fuel Consumption: 

Busy school zones and congested traffic mean more time spent idling or crawling along at a snail's pace. This results in higher fuel consumption, putting a dent in your wallet and contributing to environmental pollution. 

Maintenance Tip: To improve fuel efficiency, keep your car well-maintained. Regularly check and replace air filters, fuel filters, and spark plugs. Additionally, maintain proper tyre pressure and wheel alignment for smoother driving and better fuel economy. 

Wear and Tear on Brakes and Tyres: 

Frequent stops and the need for sudden braking in heavy traffic can accelerate wear on your brakes and tyres. The constant use of brakes and the potential for abrupt stops increase the likelihood of needing replacements sooner than expected. 

Maintenance Tip: Regularly inspect your brake pads and tyres for wear. Rotate your tyres at recommended intervals and replace brake pads as needed. Properly functioning brakes and well-maintained tyres are crucial for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. 

Cabin Air Filter Clogging: 

Whilst being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, your cabin air filter is more prone to getting clogged with pollen, dust, and other pollutants. This can reduce the efficiency of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. 

Maintenance Tip: Replace your cabin air filter regularly, especially during peak pollen seasons. A clean filter ensures better air quality inside your car and helps maintain optimal HVAC system performance. 

Increased Risk of Fender Benders: 

Busy school zones and parking lots become hotspots for fender benders and minor accidents. With more vehicles and pedestrians in the mix, the chances of collisions rise. 

Maintenance Tip: Keep your reflexes sharp and maintain a safe following distance to reduce the risk of fender benders. Regularly check your brakes and ensure your brake lights are functioning properly to enhance your ability to respond quickly in traffic. 

The school calendar undoubtedly has a significant impact on your daily commute and, consequently, your vehicle's wear and tear. By staying proactive with regular maintenance tasks, you can mitigate the effects of increased traffic, fuel consumption, and potential accidents. Taking care of your car not only ensures a smoother commute but also contributes to its longevity and your overall driving experience. 

Is your car due for service? Book a service with us. At Big Box Cars, we service and recondition over 400 cars every month across a huge range of makes and models. We have a service level for everyone.