The end of August is here, and with it comes the back-to-school rush. More cars on Bridgeway, busy school zones, and teen drivers taking the wheel for the first time — all of this makes vehicle safety more important than ever. Whether your student is driving themselves to Tamalpais High School, picking up friends in Mill Valley, or commuting to College of Marin, you want their car to be safe and reliable.
At A&A Automotive, we’ve proudly served Sausalito and the surrounding area for over 40 years. We’re known for our reliability, honesty, and friendly service — and we’re here to help your family vehicles stay in top shape. Whether you drive a foreign or domestic car, a vintage muscle car, or something in between, if it fits through our door, we can fix it!
Here are our top back-to-school car safety tips to keep your teen driver safe on the road this fall:
1. Check the Brakes
School zones mean lots of stop-and-go driving. If you hear squeaking or grinding, or the car feels slow to stop, it’s time for a brake inspection. Even if there aren’t obvious signs, a quick check gives you peace of mind.
2. Inspect Tires for Safety
Bald or underinflated tires are dangerous — especially on foggy or wet mornings common in the Bay Area. Check tread depth and tire pressure, and consider a rotation or alignment if it’s been a while. Properly maintained tires mean better handling and fuel efficiency.
3. Make Sure Lights and Wipers Work
Your teen needs to see and be seen. Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace wiper blades if they streak or squeak — it’s a small fix that greatly improves visibility during misty Sausalito mornings.
4. Test the Battery
A dead battery is the last thing your student needs when they’re already running late. We can test the battery’s health and replace it if needed so they won’t get stranded at school or practice.
5. Pack an Emergency Kit
Equip the car with jumper cables, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a basic first-aid kit. A small investment in preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind.
Why Choose A&A Automotive for Teen Driver Safety Checks?
At A&A Automotive, we listen, we fix, we care — and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years. Families across Sausalito and Marin County trust us because we provide honest, no-pressure service at fair prices. From foreign and domestic vehicles to vintage cars, we’re your one-stop shop for maintenance, repair, smog checks, and safety inspections.
Located at 70 Gate 5 Road in Sausalito, CA, we proudly serve drivers from Mill Valley,Tiburon, Marin City,and beyond. We even offer loaner cars by request and back most services with a 2-Year/24,000-Mile Warranty.
Schedule a Back-to-School Safety Inspection Today
Give yourself and your teen peace of mind before the school year ramps up.
Call A&A Automotive at (415) 275-2879 or schedule an appointment online to make sure your student’s car is ready for the road.
A&A Automotive – Sausalito’s trusted auto repair shop for over 40 years. We listen. We fix. We care.