When school season starts, it’s crucial to make sure your vehicle is ready for the increased demands of your daily routine. So, what car maintenance should you do before school starts? Start by checking your brakes, battery, oil, alignment, suspension, and overall vehicle condition. These essential services help prevent unexpected breakdowns, keep your family safe, and ensure your car is reliable for busy mornings and after-school activities.
In this blog, we’ll cover six important back-to-school maintenance tips that every Lonsdale driver should know. Whether you’re commuting to work, dropping off kids, or navigating stop-and-go traffic, these simple checks can help you avoid mid-semester surprises and start the school year with confidence. If you’re in Lonsdale, Northfield, or the surrounding area, our certified team at Lonsdale Auto Works is here to help.
1. Check Your Brakes for Safe Stops
Few components impact your family’s safety more than your brakes. Responsive braking is essential when driving through congested areas during school drop-off and pickup times. If you notice squeaking, grinding, vibrations, or your vehicle pulling to one side, it’s time for a brake inspection.
Even subtle changes in how your brake pedal feels, like sponginess or increased stopping distance, can be early warning signs.
Our certified team performs thorough brake evaluations to check:
- Brake pad thickness and wear
- Rotors for warping or scoring
- Calipers for movement and sealing
- Brake fluid levels and condition
- Lines and hardware for corrosion or leaks
Reliable brake repair in Lonsdale, MN, helps ensure safety and prevents wear from spreading to other components.
Pro tip: Stop-and-go traffic, steep hills, or heavier loads like sports equipment can wear brakes faster. We recommend a check every 12,000 miles or sooner if you notice anything unusual.
2. Schedule a Wheel Alignment for Smooth, Safe Driving
Summer potholes, curb bumps, or long road trips can easily knock your wheels out of alignment without you noticing. While the effects might start off subtle, misalignment can lead to your vehicle pulling to one side, vibrations in the steering wheel, reduced fuel efficiency, and uneven tire wear that shortens the life of your tires. It can also strain your suspension and steering components over time, leading to more expensive repairs.
Our team at Lonsdale Auto Works uses a state-of-the-art Hunter Alignment machine to measure and adjust your suspension angles with pinpoint accuracy. During this process, we also inspect components like control arms, bushings, and tie rods to ensure the misalignment isn’t being caused by worn or damaged parts.
Why it matters before school starts: Proper wheel alignment improves handling, steering response, and tire longevity, especially important during fall’s wet weather, crowded parking lots, and school zone traffic. Getting your alignment checked now helps ensure your vehicle is safe, smooth, and fuel-efficient when your schedule gets busy.
3. Don’t Skip Your Oil Change
Fresh oil keeps your engine lubricated and protects it from heat and buildup that cause long-term damage. Post-summer is the ideal time to catch up on an oil change in Lonsdale, MN, especially before your routine gets even busier.
Our oil service includes:
- New oil and filter
- Fluid level checks (coolant, brake, transmission)
- Leak inspection
- Belt and hose review
Local tip: Short school commutes may not let the engine warm up enough, which can lead to moisture buildup and sludge over time. That’s why maintaining regular oil changes is one of the simplest ways to avoid engine trouble.
4. Check Suspension for Comfort and Control
Your suspension system keeps your ride smooth, but it also affects how well your vehicle brakes and steers. A worn suspension can lead to decreased comfort, reduced control, and accelerated tire wear.
We offer complete suspension repair in Lonsdale, MN, and inspect:
- Shocks and struts
- Springs and control arms
- Bushings, ball joints, and mounts
Warning signs include:
- The vehicle nose-dives when braking
- You feel every bump in the road
- Loose steering or constant correction
- Excessive body roll in turns
Catching these issues early helps preserve ride quality and ensures stability, especially on Minnesota’s rural roads and during the school commute.
5. Don’t Let a Weak Battery Slow Down Your School Routine
Your car battery does a lot more than just start your engine. It powers your vehicle’s electronics, keeps your lights on, and ensures your car is ready to go when you are. After a hot Minnesota summer, your battery may already be showing signs of wear, which can sneak up on you just as the school year gets into full swing.
If your mornings are already hectic, the last thing you need is to deal with a car that won’t start when you’re trying to drop the kids off or make it to work on time.
At Lonsdale Auto Works, we help you avoid that hassle with a full battery and electrical system check, which includes:
- Testing voltage and cold cranking amps to ensure your battery is up to the task
- Inspecting for corrosion and buildup that can interfere with power delivery
- Checking the alternator and charging system to make sure your battery gets properly recharged
- Ensuring cables and terminals are clean, tight, and in good shape
Pro Tip: If your battery is three years old or more, it’s a smart move to have it tested before cooler weather returns. It’s quick, affordable, and could save you from an unexpected no-start situation that throws off your entire day.
6. Plan a Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection for the School Season
While checking individual systems is important, a full inspection provides complete peace of mind. We offer detailed Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) to prepare your car for the school year ahead.
This includes:
- Tire tread and pressure
- Fluid levels and condition
- Belt and hose inspections
- Lights and wiper functionality
- HVAC and defroster check
A full vehicle inspection for the school season ensures your car is ready for whatever the weather or the week throws at you.
Bonus Tip: If you’re in Northfield, New Prague, Elko New Market, or Montgomery, you’re just a short drive from trusted auto repair in Lonsdale, MN. At Lonsdale Auto Works, we’re proud to serve drivers from across the region with honest, dependable service.
How Lonsdale Auto Works Can Help You Get Ready for the School Year
We take pride in delivering more than just repairs. We offer a stress-free experience that gives you full confidence in your vehicle.
Here’s how our process works:
- Call or request an appointment online. Our service advisor, Denise, will gather key information and help you choose the right time.
- Drop off or use our pickup options. We offer loaner cars, vehicle pick-up and drop-off, and after-hours key drop.
- We perform a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) to assess your vehicle’s health and prioritize any urgent needs.
- You get transparent communication. We send digital estimates, offer text-to-pay options, and communicate every step of the way.
- Peace of mind. All work is backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance through our TechNet partnership.
We believe in keeping your family safe and your schedule uninterrupted, with service that’s built around real life.
Why Choose Lonsdale Auto Works
When it comes to auto repair and getting your vehicle ready for school, we are a trusted name in the community.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- ASE Certified Master Technician and certified team
- TechNet and BG Certified Shop
- 2-Year/24,000-Mile warranty plus tire road hazard coverage
- State-of-the-art Hunter Alignment and Robinair A/C equipment
- Proud supporters of local schools and community events
Frequently Asked Questions About Back-to-School Car Maintenance
Is it too late to book back-to-school car service?
Not at all, but don’t wait any longer. Late August and early September are some of the busiest times in our shop as families get back into their routines. Booking now ensures your vehicle is road-ready for school drop-offs, after-school activities, and fall travel. At Lonsdale Auto Works, we’ll help you knock out those maintenance items so you can head into the school year with one less thing to worry about.
Can I get multiple services done in one visit?
Yes, multiple services like oil changes, brake inspections, battery testing, and wheel alignments can usually be completed in a single visit. Scheduling everything together saves time and ensures your vehicle is fully prepared for the school year.
How often should I check my brakes during the school year?
Brakes should be checked at least twice a year or immediately if you notice warning signs like squeaking, grinding, or a soft brake pedal. Regular inspections help ensure safe stops in school zones and prevent costly repairs down the road.
What car maintenance is most important before school starts?
The most important car maintenance tasks to complete before school starts include a brake check, oil change, battery test, tire inspection, and a full vehicle evaluation. These services help prevent unexpected issues and keep your car safe and dependable for daily driving.
Schedule Back-to-School Car Maintenance in Lonsdale, MN at Lonsdale Auto Works
Don’t wait for cold weather or the first chaotic Monday to uncover a car problem. By taking care of brake inspections, alignments, oil changes, suspension checks, battery testing, and a full vehicle inspection for the school season, you’ll head into the year with confidence.
Whether you’re local or just searched for auto repair near Lonsdale, we are here to help keep your vehicle and your family safe.
Call us today at 507-744-3304 or schedule your appointment online. Lonsdale Auto Works is located at 616 Industrial Drive SE, Lonsdale, MN 55046.
