100+ Years of Trusted Automotive Experience in Lakeland, FL

August in Lakeland means one thing: it's time to get ready for another school year. While you're busy shopping for supplies and new clothes, don't forget about the vehicle that will be making daily trips to school, after-school activities, and weekend events. Whether you're driving kids to Lakeland High School or your college student is heading back to Florida Southern University, a well-maintained car is essential for a safe and stress-free school year. The start of school brings increased traffic, more frequent trips, and a busier schedule for everyone. Now is the perfect time to make sure your family vehicles are ready to handle the extra demands of the school year ahead. Start with Safety: Brakes and Tires Your brakes are your most important safety feature, especially with increased school zone traffic and busy pickup lines. Have your brakes inspected if you notice any squealing, grinding, or if the pedal feels soft or spongy. School zones around Lakeland can get congested quickly, particularly around popular schools like Lake Gibson High School or McKeel Academy. You need brakes that respond immediately when that student steps unexpectedly into the crosswalk. Check your tire tread depth and look for any signs of uneven wear. Bald or worn tires are dangerous in Florida's frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which often coincide with after-school pickup times. Replace any tires with less than 2/32" of tread depth, and make sure all tires are properly inflated. Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly Regular oil changes become even more important when you're driving more frequently. Stop-and-go traffic in school zones and short trips around town are harder on your engine than highway driving. If your oil change is due soon, take care of it before the school rush begins. Check your engine air filter too. A dirty filter reduces fuel economy and performance—something you'll notice more when you're making multiple trips per day. In Central Florida's dusty conditions, air filters can get dirty faster than you might expect. Maintain Your Cooling System Even though summer is winding down, Florida heat continues well into the fall months. Your cooling system will still be working hard through September and October, especially during those long waits in school pickup lines. Check your coolant level and look for any signs of leaks. If your temperature gauge has been running higher than normal, or if you've noticed any steam or unusual smells, have your cooling system inspected before school starts. Don't Forget Your AC System Speaking of staying cool, your air conditioning system needs to be in top shape for the school year. Between morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups, you'll be spending more time in your car, often in heavy traffic where your AC works hardest. Replace your cabin air filter before school starts. A fresh filter improves airflow and helps keep allergens out of your car—important for kids with allergies during Florida's extended pollen season. Battery and Electrical Systems Car batteries face extra stress during the school year. More frequent starts, shorter trips that don't allow the battery to fully recharge, and the continued use of AC all put demands on your electrical system. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a school parking lot with a dead battery. Clean any corrosion from battery terminals and make sure the connections are tight. Lights and Visibility With shorter days coming and early morning practices starting up, good lighting becomes crucial. Check all your lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any burned-out bulbs immediately. Don't forget about your windshield wipers. Florida's afternoon storms are legendary, and you need wipers that can handle heavy rain. If your wipers are streaking, chattering, or leaving wet spots, replace them before school starts. Fluid Levels and Maintenance Take a few minutes to check all your fluid levels. Low brake fluid, power steering fluid, or transmission fluid can lead to dangerous situations or expensive repairs. Windshield washer fluid is especially important with more driving. Florida's roads can kick up dust and debris, and love bug season often coincides with the start of school. Make sure you can keep your windshield clean for safe visibility. College Student Special Considerations If you have a college student driving to Florida Southern, Southeastern University, or Florida Polytechnic, their car needs extra attention. College students often drive longer distances, park in different locations, and may not notice problems as quickly as experienced drivers. Make sure they know basic warning signs like unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, or changes in how the car handles. Give them contact information for a trusted local repair shop and roadside assistance if they have it. Emergency Kit Essentials Every school-year vehicle should have a basic emergency kit. Include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, basic tools, emergency water, and a first aid kit. Add a phone charger and emergency contact information. For college students especially, make sure they have roadside assistance information and know what to do if they break down away from home. Plan Ahead for Busy Schedules Once school starts, finding time for car maintenance becomes more challenging. Take care of any needed repairs or services now, before your schedule fills up with school events, sports practices, and other activities. Consider scheduling your next oil change appointment in advance. Many shops offer reminder services that can help you stay on top of routine maintenance even during busy periods. Budget for School-Year Wear More driving means more wear and tear on your vehicle. Plan for increased fuel costs, and set aside money for maintenance items that wear out faster with increased use, like brake pads and tires. Keep receipts for any repairs or maintenance—some expenses may be tax-deductible if you use your vehicle for volunteer work or other school-related activities. Create a Maintenance Schedule With multiple vehicles and busy schedules, it's easy to lose track of when each car needs service. Create a simple maintenance calendar that includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other regular services for each family vehicle. Trust Your Instincts If something doesn't feel right with your car, don't wait to have it checked. Unusual noises, warning lights, or changes in performance should be investigated promptly. It's better to catch small problems early than to deal with a breakdown during the busy school year. Start the School Year Right with Professional Car Care Don't let car troubles disrupt your family's school year. At Joyce Automotive and Towing, we know how important reliable transportation is for busy Lakeland families. Our ASE-certified technicians can quickly inspect your vehicles and handle any maintenance or repairs needed to keep your family safe and on schedule. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we've been helping Central Florida families stay on the road since 1968. Call us at (863) 249-0162 or visit us at 1034 E Main St in Lakeland to schedule your back-to-school vehicle inspection today. Let us help make this school year your safest and most reliable yet!