Colorado Springs' Best Full-Service Repair Facility

As summer comes to an end in Colorado Springs, it's time to prepare for another school year. Whether you're driving kids to Cheyenne Mountain High School or your college student is heading back to UCCS, making sure your vehicle is road-ready should be at the top of your priority list. The combination of increased traffic around schools and Colorado's unpredictable weather makes proper car maintenance more important than ever. Why Back-to-School Car Maintenance Matters in Colorado Springs The Pikes Peak region presents unique challenges for drivers. From sudden afternoon thunderstorms to early morning frost, your vehicle needs to handle Colorado's diverse weather conditions. Add the stress of school zone traffic and busy parking lots, and you'll want complete confidence in your car's performance. A well-maintained vehicle doesn't just keep your family safe – it also prevents expensive emergency repairs that could strain your back-to-school budget. Taking care of these essential maintenance tasks now can save you hundreds of dollars later. Your Complete Pre-School Vehicle Inspection List Check Your Tires Start by examining your tires carefully. Look for uneven wear patterns, cracks in the sidewalls, or tread that's wearing thin. Colorado Springs' varied terrain – from downtown streets to mountain highways – demands tires in excellent condition. Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires. Don't forget to check your spare tire too, and make sure your tire pressure matches the recommended PSI listed in your owner's manual. Test Your Brakes Your braking system is crucial for safety in school zones where children might dart into the road unexpectedly. Listen for squealing, grinding, or scraping noises when you brake. If your brake pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor, don't wait – get them checked immediately. Pay attention to how your car pulls when braking. If it veers to one side, you might need brake adjustments or alignment work. Inspect Lights and Signals With shorter days approaching, proper lighting becomes essential. Walk around your vehicle and test all lights: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs right away. Clean your headlight lenses if they appear cloudy or yellow. Colorado's high altitude means more UV exposure, which can cloud headlights faster than in other climates. Examine Belts and Hoses Pop the hood and look at the belts and hoses. Check for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear. A broken belt can leave you stranded, which is especially problematic during busy school pickup times. Squeeze the hoses gently – they should feel firm, not soft or squishy. Look for any signs of leaking fluid around hose connections. Review Fluid Levels Check all essential fluids: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. Low fluid levels can lead to serious engine damage or safety issues. Colorado's dry climate means you'll use windshield washer fluid more frequently, especially during dust storms or when driving on dirt roads around Colorado Springs. Test Your Battery Extreme temperature changes common in Colorado can be hard on car batteries. Clean any corrosion from battery terminals and check that connections are tight. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested professionally. Cold morning starts can be particularly challenging for weak batteries, and you don't want to be stuck in the Safeway parking lot when you're already running late for school. Check Your Air Conditioning Even though summer is ending, your AC system still needs attention. It helps defog windows during Colorado's unpredictable weather changes. If your AC isn't blowing cold air or you notice unusual odors, it might need service. Don't Forget Emergency Supplies Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies appropriate for Colorado weather: jumper cables, basic tools, first aid kit, flashlight, blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks. Include ice scraper and emergency flares for winter driving conditions that can arrive early in the mountains. Signs You Need Professional Help Some maintenance tasks require professional expertise. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule service immediately: Strange noises when starting, braking, or turning Dashboard warning lights that stay on Unusual vibrations while driving Difficulty steering or stopping Fluid leaks under your parked car Overheating or temperature gauge running hot Make School Safety Your Priority Regular vehicle maintenance isn't just about avoiding breakdowns – it's about protecting what matters most. When you're driving precious cargo to school activities or college events, you want complete peace of mind. Taking a proactive approach to car care helps ensure your vehicle performs reliably throughout the school year, from the first day of classes through graduation ceremonies. Ready to Get Your Vehicle School-Ready? Don't let car troubles disrupt your family's school routine. At Action Automotive Service, our experienced technicians provide comprehensive vehicle inspections and maintenance services to keep Colorado Springs families safe on the road. From brake checks to oil changes, we handle everything on your back-to-school maintenance checklist. Our convenient location at 3335 Fillmore Ridge Heights makes it easy to fit car care into your busy schedule, and our comfortable waiting area gives you a place to relax while we work. Call us today at (719) 633-0008 to schedule your pre-school vehicle inspection. Let us help ensure your family's safety this school year – because when it comes to your loved ones, there's no room for compromise