Your One-Stop Shop for Auto Service in Salt Lake County

August is winding down, and the reality of back-to-school season is hitting Salt Lake City families. Whether you're sending a teenager off to their first year of driving to high school or watching your college student pack up for another semester at the University of Utah, Utah State, or Westminster College, one thing is certain: their vehicle needs to be ready for the road ahead. The transition from summer to fall in Salt Lake City brings unique challenges for drivers. Temperature swings, changing weather patterns, and increased driving demands make this the perfect time to give your family's vehicles some attention. Here's your complete guide to getting cars ready for the school year. Why Back-to-School Maintenance Matters in Salt Lake City Salt Lake City's climate puts vehicles through a lot. After months of extreme summer heat that can exceed 100 degrees, cars face the approaching challenge of mountain snow, temperature drops, and increased daily use as students return to regular schedules. College students driving between campuses, dorms, and home face additional challenges. Routes like I-15 to Utah State in Logan or trips up to the University of Utah involve elevation changes and mountain driving that demand reliable vehicles. High school students are often new drivers who may not recognize warning signs of car trouble. A well-maintained vehicle gives parents peace of mind and keeps young drivers safe on busy roads like State Street and Redwood Road. Start with the Basics: Fluids and Filters Oil changes become even more critical as driving patterns change. Summer's stop-and-go traffic around malls and recreational areas shifts to daily school commutes, often in cooler morning temperatures that make engines work differently. Coolant system checks are essential before temperatures drop. Salt Lake's wide temperature swings—from 90-degree September days to potential October snow—mean your cooling system needs to handle both extremes effectively. Air filter replacement is particularly important in our dusty environment. The dry conditions around Salt Lake Valley mean air filters get dirty faster than in more humid climates. A clean filter improves gas mileage, which matters when you're filling up a teenager's tank regularly. Battery and Charging System Health Car batteries face serious stress during Salt Lake's seasonal transitions. The extreme heat of summer weakens batteries, while the cold mornings ahead will test their remaining strength. Battery terminal cleaning should be done now, before corrosion becomes a bigger problem. The white, powdery buildup around battery posts is common in our dry climate and reduces electrical efficiency. Charging system testing helps identify alternator problems before they leave your student stranded in a campus parking lot. A failing alternator might work fine in summer heat but struggle when temperatures drop. Tire Safety for School Season With increased daily driving and changing weather conditions, tire safety becomes critical for back-to-school season. Tread depth checks are especially important for students who might encounter early snow on mountain routes. Utah's weather can change quickly, and bald tires on I-80 heading toward Park City or I-15 toward Provo can be dangerous. Tire pressure monitoring needs to account for temperature changes. As morning temperatures start dropping into the 40s and 50s in September and October, tire pressure decreases. Check pressure when tires are cool, preferably before the day's first drive. Spare tire inspection often gets overlooked until it's needed. Make sure your spare is properly inflated and that you have all necessary tools for changing a tire. Brake System Evaluation School zones, campus parking, and increased stop-and-go traffic put extra demands on brake systems. Brake pad thickness should be checked before the school year begins. Thin pads can become dangerous quickly, especially with the increased braking demands of school-zone driving and campus traffic. Brake fluid condition affects stopping power and system longevity. Old, contaminated brake fluid can lead to brake failure, which is particularly dangerous in school zones and busy campus areas. Heating and Defrosting Systems While it might seem early to think about heating systems in August, Salt Lake City's weather can change rapidly. October and November can bring sudden temperature drops and even snow. Heater core function should be tested before you need it. A failed heater core not only leaves you cold but can also prevent proper windshield defrosting, creating dangerous visibility issues. Cabin air filters need special attention in our dusty environment. A clogged filter reduces heating and cooling efficiency while also affecting air quality inside the vehicle. Lights and Electrical Systems Shorter days are coming, which means more driving in low-light conditions. Headlight brightness and alignment become more important as daylight hours decrease. Cloudy or misaligned headlights reduce visibility and can be dangerous on mountain roads or during morning commutes. Turn signal and brake light function should be checked regularly. Other drivers need to see your intentions clearly, especially in busy school zones and campus areas. Emergency Preparedness Salt Lake City's mountain proximity and changing weather patterns make emergency preparedness essential. Emergency kit updates should include items specific to our climate: extra water, blankets, basic tools, jumper cables, and a flashlight. Cell service can be spotty in some mountain areas around Salt Lake. Roadside assistance information should be easily accessible. Make sure students know who to call and have important phone numbers programmed into their phones. Budget-Friendly Maintenance Tips for Students Preventive maintenance costs less than emergency repairs. Regular oil changes and fluid checks can prevent expensive engine damage that college budgets can't handle. Group maintenance can save money. Parents with multiple vehicles can often get discounts for servicing several cars at once. Maintenance scheduling around semester breaks can be more cost-effective and convenient than emergency repairs during busy school periods. When to Seek Professional Help Some maintenance tasks are perfect for DIY, but others require professional expertise. Have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle if you notice unusual noises, warning lights, changes in performance, or if it's been more than six months since the last comprehensive inspection. Pre-winter inspections are particularly valuable in Salt Lake City, where weather can change from pleasant to challenging in a matter of hours. Get School-Ready with Professional Service Don't let car trouble disrupt your family's school year. At Jones Complete Car Care, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in comprehensive vehicle inspections that catch problems before they become costly repairs. From basic maintenance to complete system checks, we'll make sure your student's vehicle is ready for whatever the school year brings. With three convenient locations in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, and Clearfield, we're here to help busy families keep their vehicles running safely and reliably. Call our Salt Lake City location at 801-269-0111 or visit us at 4621 South 900 East to schedule your back-to-school vehicle inspection today. Give yourself peace of mind and your student a safe, reliable ride to start the school year right.

Summer in Salt Lake City means beautiful mountain views, outdoor adventures, and temperatures that can soar well into the triple digits. While we love the sunny weather, our vehicles face serious challenges when the mercury rises. The combination of intense UV rays at our 4,300-foot elevation, desert-dry conditions, and extreme heat can take a serious toll on your car. Don't let the summer heat leave you stranded on the side of I-15 or stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery. Here's how to keep your vehicle running smoothly through Salt Lake's hottest months. Why Salt Lake City Heat Is Tough on Cars Salt Lake City's unique climate creates the perfect storm for vehicle stress. Our high desert location means intense sun exposure with little humidity to provide relief. The thin air at our elevation allows UV rays to hit your car with extra intensity, while dust and debris from the surrounding valleys can clog important components. When temperatures climb above 100 degrees—which happens regularly in July and August—your car's engine, cooling system, and electrical components work overtime just to keep everything running properly. Check Your Cooling System Before the Heat Hits Your car's cooling system is its first line of defense against extreme temperatures. In Salt Lake's heat, a failing cooling system can lead to costly engine damage in minutes. Coolant levels and condition should be checked regularly. Old coolant loses its effectiveness and can actually cause more harm than good. Look for coolant that appears rusty, oily, or filled with debris. Radiator maintenance is crucial in our dusty environment. Salt Lake's dry conditions mean dust and small particles can quickly clog radiator fins, reducing your cooling system's efficiency. A simple visual inspection can reveal if your radiator needs cleaning. Hoses and belts expand and contract with temperature changes. The extreme heat can cause old hoses to crack or belts to stretch beyond their useful life. Replace any components that show signs of wear before they fail. Protect Your Battery from Heat Damage Contrary to popular belief, extreme heat is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. Salt Lake's summer temperatures can literally cook the fluid inside your battery, leading to premature failure. Battery terminals should be kept clean and free of corrosion. The white, powdery buildup you might see around battery posts reduces electrical connectivity and makes your battery work harder. Parking strategies can extend your battery's life significantly. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use a sunshade to reduce interior temperatures. Even a few degrees can make a big difference in battery longevity. Keep Your Tires Road-Ready Hot pavement and high temperatures can cause tire blowouts, especially on busy highways like I-15 and I-80. Proper tire maintenance becomes even more critical during summer months. Tire pressure increases with temperature. For every 10-degree temperature rise, your tire pressure can increase by 1-2 PSI. Check your pressure when tires are cool, preferably in the morning before driving. Tread depth and wear patterns become more important in extreme heat. Worn tires are more likely to fail when temperatures soar. Look for uneven wear that might indicate alignment issues or other problems. Don't Forget Your Air Conditioning Nothing ruins a summer drive like broken air conditioning. In Salt Lake's climate, your A/C system works harder than in more humid environments, making regular maintenance essential. Cabin air filters get dirty faster in our dusty conditions. A clogged filter forces your A/C system to work harder and reduces cooling efficiency. Replace filters more frequently during summer months. Refrigerant levels should be checked before the season's first heat wave. Low refrigerant not only reduces cooling but can also damage expensive A/C components. Simple Prevention Steps You Can Take Regular oil changes become even more important in extreme heat. Hot weather thickens oil and reduces its ability to lubricate engine components effectively. Fluid levels should be checked monthly during summer. This includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Salt Lake's dry air can cause fluids to evaporate more quickly. Interior protection helps prevent damage to dashboards, seats, and electronic components. Use sunshades, window tinting, or covered parking whenever possible. Emergency kit preparation should include extra water (for both you and your radiator), jumper cables, and a basic tool kit. Cell service can be spotty in some mountain areas around Salt Lake, so being prepared is essential. When to Seek Professional Help Don't wait for a breakdown to address potential problems. If you notice any warning signs like unusual engine noises, reduced cooling performance, or dashboard warning lights, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Regular pre-summer inspections can catch small problems before they become major repairs. This is especially important in Salt Lake's extreme climate where minor issues can quickly escalate. Keep Your Cool This Summer Don't let Salt Lake City's summer heat catch you off guard. At Jones Complete Car Care, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in keeping vehicles running smoothly through Utah's most challenging weather conditions. From cooling system flushes to A/C repairs and battery testing, we have the expertise to prepare your car for whatever summer throws at it. Beat the heat before it beats your car. Call our Salt Lake City location at 801-269-0111 or visit us at 4621 South 900 East to schedule your pre-summer vehicle inspection today. Your car—and your summer plans—will thank you.