Back To School Auto Advice


Is there a young adult in your family going back to school with a new or “hand me down” vehicle?  It can be difficult enough watching them “leave the nest”. It can be more worrisome if they are commuting daily or driving to a distant college or university.

To help ease the anxiety caused by your less experienced drivers, there are three (3) things that you need to remember:
SAFETY, SAFETY, and SAFETY !

Here are some safety items to consider on every vehicle in your driveway:

      BRAKES:   Absolutely the most important system on a vehicle. Scraping, squealing sounds, or a pulsation in the brake pedal when the brakes are applied are signs of trouble. An unusually hard or soft brake pedal can also be a warning. An illuminated brake warning light or ABS light on your instrument cluster requires your immediate attention.

     STEERING:  The vehicle needs move where and when you direct it.  If the vehicle is hard to steer, wanders, or the steering wheel shakes, have the steering checked.

      VISIBILITY:  Does your defroster work properly? Is your washer solvent sprayer functional? Do your wiper blades clear the windshield without streaking, squealing, or leaving a film?

      TIRES:  Tires are the workhorse of your vehicle. They steer, they pull or push, they support, and they brake. They need to be of the proper size and rating (consult your owner’s manual or call us). TIRE PRESSURE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ! Under or over inflated tires can cause braking and steering problems, premature wear, decreased fuel economy, or at worst, a sudden catastrophic tire failure. Do NOT inflate tires to the maximum pressures listed on the tire. Proper inflation pressures are listed on a sticker attached to the post behind the driver’s door.

      ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS:  Do all lights work properly ? Is your battery in proper condition to ensure starts on cold winter mornings ? Electronic battery testers can determine  battery condition before there is trouble.

      MORE:  Is your vehicle equipped with a spare tire, jack, and wheel removal tools ? Does the operator know how to use them ?  Is there an owner’s manual in the vehicle? Are the registration, inspection sticker, and insurance card current and present in the vehicle ?  Are all the fluids topped off ?  Is there an applicable road map available ? Does the driver know what to do or who to call in the event of breakdown or accident ?

This is certainly a lengthy list of safety items. At Downeast Toyota/Scion we want to give you the confidence that you need in your vehicle. On every vehicle we service, we complete a Multipoint Inspection detailing our findings on the mechanical areas discussed above. No charge, no pressure !

Why not schedule your next service with us, before your vehicle (and that precious cargo) leaves your nest ?