Back to School, Back to Commutes: 5 Car Checks to Keep Your Ride Safe and Smooth This FalL
The summer chaos is winding down. Vacations, road trips, and long weekends on the Oregon coast are giving way to early mornings, school traffic, and the daily grind. For families and commuters in Portland, fall means more time behind the wheel—whether you’re navigating the school drop-off line or battling I-205 during rush hour.
That makes now the perfect time to give your vehicle some extra attention. At Heavy Metal Motors in SE Portland, we’ve seen how quickly small issues can turn into major problems, especially when life gets busy. A quick check-up now can keep your ride running strong all season long.
Here are five essential car checks to keep you safe, smooth, and on time this fall:
1. Brakes: Stop-and-Go Traffic’s Greatest Hit
Between school zones, crosswalks, and unpredictable Portland traffic, your brakes work overtime this time of year. If you notice squeaking, grinding, or a soft pedal, don’t ignore it. Worn pads and rotors don’t just affect safety—they can turn into costly repairs if left unchecked.
👉 At Heavy Metal Motors, we’ll inspect your brake system and make sure you’ve got stopping power you can trust.
2. Tires: Grip for Rain and Routines
As fall rain returns, good traction is non-negotiable. Tires with low tread struggle on wet roads and can increase your stopping distance in an emergency. Uneven wear also makes for a rougher ride, especially if you’re putting in highway miles for work.
👉 We’ll check tread depth, tire pressure, and rotation to keep your daily driver planted on Portland’s slick pavement. And if your rockstar car needs tires, we share our corner with a locally owned tire shop that will be happy to help!
3. Fluids & Oil: After the Summer Tour
Summer road trips and heat put your fluids to the test—engine oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid all take a hit. Clean, topped-off fluids mean smoother commutes, better fuel economy, and less wear on your engine.
👉 An oil change at our shop is more than routine maintenance—it’s an excuse to get your car on our lift for a full inspection, so nothing sneaks up on you.
4. Wipers & Lights: Visibility is Everything
With shorter days and plenty of rainy mornings ahead, visibility becomes critical. Streaky wipers and cloudy headlights can turn a simple commute into a nerve-wracking drive.
👉 We’ll make sure your lights shine bright and your wipers are ready to clear the way—because driving blind isn’t metal.
5. Battery & General Inspection: No Morning Surprises
Few things kill the vibe like a dead battery on a school morning. Portland’s cooler fall mornings can drain weak batteries fast. A quick test now can save you a call to roadside assistance later.
👉 Our seasonal inspection covers battery life, belts, and hoses so you don’t get stuck when you need your car the most.
Keep Your Daily Driver Stage-Ready
At Heavy Metal Motors, we treat every vehicle like it’s about to headline. Whether you’re hauling kids, guitars, or just trying to survive Portland traffic, we’ll keep your ride safe, smooth, and road-ready.
Don’t let car trouble throw off your morning setlist. Schedule your back-to-school car check with Heavy Metal Motors today—and keep rolling strong all season long.
📍 Serving SE Portland and surrounding areas (Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley, and beyond).
