Is Your Vehicle School-Ready? Tips for a Safe Start to the Year

August 12, 2025

As backpacks come out and routines fall back into place, it’s not just students who need to be ready for the school year — their cars do too. Vehicle safety is essential whether you're a parent driving your kids to school, a teen heading to high school, or a college student getting ready to commute or road-trip back to campus.


At BG Automotive, we help families across Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland prepare their vehicles for the busy back-to-school season. As a reliable car repair shop near you, we believe a well-maintained vehicle is one of the most important school supplies you can have.


Key Back-to-School Vehicle Safety Tips

1. Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
Now is the perfect time to get an oil change, inspect brakes, check tires, and test your battery. These basics help avoid unexpected breakdowns, especially during those rushed early morning drives or long trips back to college.


2. Don’t Skip the Lights and Wipers
With shorter days and changing weather, working headlights, brake lights, and windshield wipers are critical. Visibility is key to safety during busy school pick-up lines and commutes.


3. Schedule a Pre-School-Year Inspection
Stop by BG Automotive for a full vehicle inspection before your teen hits the road or your college student takes off. Our experienced team of auto mechanics near you will make sure everything’s running safely and smoothly.


4. Teach Teen Drivers Safety Basics
Parents — make sure your teen knows how to check tire pressure, what warning lights mean, and how to respond to common issues. Even better, have them come in with you. We’re happy to explain things clearly and love helping young drivers build smart car care habits.


School Zone and Pedestrian Safety Tips

1. Slow Down in School Zones
Speed limits drop for a reason. Be extra cautious during school start and dismissal times. A few seconds saved isn’t worth a life.


2. Watch for Pedestrians
Children may dart out unexpectedly, especially near crosswalks and intersections. Stay alert and never block a crosswalk while stopped.


3. Follow Bus Laws Carefully
When a school bus extends its stop sign, all drivers must stop
, even if you're on the opposite side of the road (unless divided by a median). Failing to stop isn’t just illegal — it's dangerous.



4. Eliminate Distractions
Put the phone away and keep both eyes on the road — especially during high-traffic times around schools.


Start the Year Right with BG Automotive

If you’re getting your student ready for the semester or just trying to make your daily commute safer, BG Automotive is here to help. Our ASE certified team offers honest service, clear communication, and full inspections to give you peace of mind, whether you're driving across town or across the state. We’re proud to be a trusted name for families in need of dependable auto repair and maintenance from a car repair shop near them that puts care first.

What Makes Subaru the Go-To Brand for Colorado Drivers? | BG Automotive
July 25, 2025
BG Automotive in Colorado explains why Subaru has become a favorite among drivers in the state due to its challenging weather and terrain.
Safe Driving Tips for Colorado's Summer Storm Season
July 1, 2025
Colorado summer storms can make driving risky. BG Automotive offers tips, inspections, and trusted service to help you stay safe across Fort Collins and beyond.
How Do I Replace a Blown Fuse in My Car? | BG Automotive
June 27, 2025
BG Automotive in Colorado explains how to identify and replace blown car fuses to restore power to essential electrical systems.
Ready for the Road? Get Your Car Road Trip-Ready with BG Automotive
June 26, 2025
Get your car road trip ready with trusted Colorado auto repair at BG Automotive in Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland
What’s the Purpose of Tire Rotation, Balancing, and Alignment? | BG Automotive
May 30, 2025
BG Automotive in Colorado explains the differences between rotation, balancing, and alignment, and why your tires depend on all three.
Spring into Car Care with BG Automotive: Your Local Auto Experts in Northern Colorado
May 5, 2025
Get your car road-ready this spring with expert service from BG Automotive. Visit our Fort Collins, Longmont, or Loveland shops. Trusted auto repair near you!
What Makes Colorado a Top Destination for 4x4 Adventures? | BG Automotive
By Adam Kushner April 25, 2025
From rugged trails to stunning landscapes, BG Automotive explains why Colorado is one of the best places to enjoy your 4x4 vehicle.
Is Your Car Battery Ready for The Warmer Spring Temperatures? | BG Automotive
March 28, 2025
BG Automotive in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Longmont, CO, explains how warmer spring temperatures affect your car battery. Learn when to test or replace it.
Why Is My Engine Running Too Cold and Doesn’t Reach Optimal Temperature? | BG Automotive
February 28, 2025
BG Automotive in Colorado explains why your engine is running too cold and not reaching optimal temperature. Learn common causes and how to fix the issue.
Can Bad Suspension Cause Other Car Problems? | BG Automotive
January 31, 2025
BG Automotive in Colorado explains how bad suspension can cause other car problems. Learn the signs and necessary actions to keep your vehicle in top condition.