Getting your car ready for back to school

June 30, 2025

Brian Hunnicutt

Getting your car ready for back to school?

Back-to-School Car Prep in Mississippi – Trusted Auto Care from William Wells Tire & Auto


Locations in Starkville, Columbus, and West Point


WilliamWellsTireAndAutoRepair.com

Starkville: 12919 MS-182 | (662) 268-4081
Columbus: 1625 Gardner Blvd | (662) 240-2414
West Point: 93 W Broad St | (662) 495-8558


As school ramps up across Mississippi, so does the pressure on your schedule—and your vehicle.

Whether you’re handling morning drop-offs, racing between campuses, or just trying to keep your family safe through unpredictable Southern weather, one thing is certain: your car has to be ready.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we don’t wait for breakdowns to get your attention. We help you take control now—with a back-to-school car prep strategy built around safety, reliability, and long-term value.


Why Back-to-School Season Strains Your Vehicle

August and September are no joke in Mississippi. You’ve got:

  • High humidity and temperature swings that wear down batteries and belts

  • Wet roads, early fog, and back-to-back storms that test your tires and brakes

  • Stop-and-go school traffic that strains your suspension and cooling system

  • HVAC systems running full-blast in hot afternoons

  • Heavy mileage from ball games, errands, and extracurriculars

It all adds up—and your car needs to be up to the challenge.


William Wells’ Back-to-School Inspection – Built for Mississippi Roads and Families

Our inspection goes beyond oil changes and air filters. We focus on what keeps your family safe, your schedule on time, and your wallet protected from preventable repair costs.

Brake Safety – You Can’t Afford to Guess

If your brakes feel soft, squeal when stopping, or take longer than usual to engage, don’t wait for them to get worse. We’ll catch the issue before it escalates.

We check:

  • Brake pad thickness and rotor health

  • Brake fluid condition (moisture = danger)

  • Caliper and hose wear

  • ABS and electronic braking systems

Brakes don’t give second chances. Let us make sure yours are 100% dependable.

Tires – Stay in Control No Matter the Conditions

Mississippi roads are unpredictable—from rural gravel to slick asphalt in a summer storm. Your tires must grip with confidence.

We assess:

  • Tread depth and wear patterns

  • Tire pressure across all four corners

  • Cracks, bulges, or dry rot

  • Signs of misalignment or suspension damage

Need new tires? We’ll walk you through performance, pricing, and what makes sense for your driving habits.

Battery Life – Heat Destroys Weak Batteries

South heat drains battery life fast. Add in frequent stops and starts, and it’s no wonder batteries tend to fail right when school starts.

We test:

  • Voltage, cold cranking amps, and charge retention

  • Corrosion at terminals

  • Alternator and charging system output

  • Battery age and remaining service life

You won’t have to guess—you’ll get a clear answer: good, borderline, or replace now.

Oil and Fluids – The First Defense Against Overheating and Breakdown

Fluids wear down over time, especially under heat and stress. When they do, your car runs hotter, slower, and more dangerously.

We inspect and replace:

  • Engine oil and filter

  • Coolant/antifreeze levels and clarity

  • Transmission fluid (often overlooked and critical)

  • Brake, power steering, and washer fluids

Clean fluids don’t just improve performance—they extend vehicle life.

Wipers, Lights, and Visibility – See and Be Seen

Rainstorms. Early morning fog. Evening pickup in low light. If you can’t see clearly—or be seen by others—you’re driving blind.

We check:

  • Windshield wiper blades and washer system

  • Headlight clarity and brightness

  • Brake, turn, and reverse light operation

  • HVAC defrost for front and rear visibility

We’ll ensure your vision and visibility are never compromised.

HVAC and Cabin Comfort – Cool, Clean, and Clear

Driving in discomfort wears down your focus. For kids, seniors, and sensitive passengers, air quality and temperature control are about health and safety—not just comfort.

We test:

  • A/C output and refrigerant level

  • Cabin air filter for allergens and dust

  • Heater and defrost performance

  • Airflow control and speed consistency

You’ll drive focused, cool, and alert—and your passengers will thank you.

Engine Bay Check – Small Issues Become Big Repairs Fast

A $20 cracked hose or worn belt can become a $2,000 problem if it fails during rush hour.

We inspect:

  • Belt condition, cracks, and tension

  • Hose flexibility, swelling, and leaks

  • Signs of leaks or early-stage component failure

  • Diagnostic codes and engine health reports

Preventive engine care now avoids wallet-draining emergencies later.

Suspension and Steering – A Smooth Ride Is a Safe Ride

If your car pulls to the side, bounces on bumps, or feels unsteady—it’s wearing your tires faster, wasting fuel, and reducing driver control.

We assess:

  • Shocks, struts, and ball joints

  • Steering system play and response

  • Control arms and sway bars

  • Alignment for all four wheels

You’ll leave with a car that drives smoother, safer, and smarter.


Why Mississippi Families Trust William Wells Tire & Auto

Because we do what others won’t: tell you the truth, stand behind our work, and treat you like family.

Whether you’re visiting Starkville, Columbus, or West Point, you can expect:

  • Honest diagnostics with no pressure or gimmicks

  • Certified technicians who listen first, fix second

  • Clear timelines and fair pricing you can count on

  • Decades of trust built in your hometown

  • A full-service experience built around you, not just your car

We don’t sell fear—we sell clarity. And we deliver service you’ll feel confident recommending.


Bonus: Plan Ahead With a Preventive Maintenance Strategy

Want to stop reacting and start planning? We’ll help you build a custom maintenance schedule based on how you drive, where you drive, and what you need to prioritize—so you’re never caught off guard.


Schedule Your Back-to-School Inspection Today

Don’t wait for the dashboard light—or the tow truck. One visit now can save you time, stress, and repair costs later.

Schedule at any William Wells location today:

Starkville – (662) 268-4081
Columbus – (662) 240-2414
West Point – (662) 495-8558
www.WilliamWellsTireAndAutoRepair.com



William Wells Tire & Auto. Trusted in Mississippi. Respected for a reason.


For more information please watch the video

https://youtu.be/S936kNRqsTA


The Pros and Cons of High-Mileage Motor Oil | William Wells Tire & Auto
June 27, 2025
William Wells Tire & Auto in Columbus, West Point, and Starkville, MS, breaks down when high-mileage motor oil helps and when it doesn’t.
By Brian Hunnicutt June 23, 2025
What kind of car should I buy, gas or electric?
June 16, 2025
5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore
By Brian Hunnicutt June 9, 2025
Why is My Car Overheating if I Have Coolant?
By Brian Hunnicutt June 2, 2025
Who can fix my car ac near me?
What Are the Most Common Signs of Suspension Problems? | William Wells Tire & Auto
May 30, 2025
William Wells Tire & Auto in Columbus, West Point, and Starkville, MS, explains how to spot common suspension issues before they become dangerous.
By Brian Hunnicutt May 26, 2025
Why Is My Vehicle Burning Oil?
By Brian Hunnicutt May 19, 2025
Why Does My Truck Pull to the Right?
By Brian Hunnicutt May 12, 2025
Why is my brake light on?
By Brian Hunnicutt May 5, 2025
Best lube oil and filter change near me
More Posts