Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand

Vehicle maintenance and car-pooling go hand in hand, so be sure to complete your car maintenance so your car-pooling is as safe as can be. Take a look at these car care tips and check Fram and Prestone websites.


(NC)—For many parents, car-pooling to school is the perfect blend of financial and environmental responsibility. But given that you will be toting around other people's loved ones as well as your own, the importance of a well-maintained, reliable vehicle is multiplied.

Here are some things you should do to prepare your car for its carpooling duties:

Check Your Fluids.

Make it a habit to check your fluid levels once per month – particularly the level and condition of your antifreeze/coolant. It's not hard to “top off”; just use as recommended - Prestone Long Life Premixed Antifreeze/coolant is for all makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. Your preventative maintenance could help you avoid an overheated engine.

Visit your trusted mechanic for a vehicle inspection. They can alert you to any potential problems, and fix those that are necessary.

Get An Oil Change.

With carpooling schedules, the miles on your car will likely increase. If you have an older car with many miles, consider using the Fram High Mileage oil filter. It has a special time released gel additive that helps reduce engine wear by maintaining oil viscosity, neutralizing acids and keeping engine components cleaner.

Be Prepared.

As the weather gets colder, make sure your vehicle is stocked with ice-fighting products like Prestone Deicer Windshield Washer Fluid with dirt blocker. The night before a frost or snow, spray your windshield with Prestone Ice and Frost Shield Vehicle GlassTreatment to reduce the need for scraping.

Play It Safe.

Always keep an emergency kit and cell phone in your car in case of emergencies. As the weather gets colder, have extra blankets and warm clothes on hand, along with bottled water and snacks. If needed, these items can help keep you and your passengers safe until help arrives.

More information on this topic can be found online at www.fram.com and www.prestone.com.