Back to School Starts in the Driveway

Presented by T&M Automotive01:00PM / Friday, September 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

7 Things Every Berkshire Family Should Check Before the School-Year Rush

Back-to-school season means more than backpacks, school supplies and new schedules. Between school drop-offs, practices, weekend games and busy family calendars, your vehicle plays a big role in keeping everyone moving all year long.

Before the school-year rush kicks into high gear, the team at T&M Automotive recommends getting your vehicle checked now so you can drive with confidence all year long.

1. Check Your Brakes

More stop-and-go driving and busy school zones put extra stress on your brakes. If you hear squealing or grinding, or feel a vibration when braking, don't wait to have them checked. Catching a brake problem early can help keep your family safe and prevent more expensive repairs later.

2. Inspect Your Tires

Check your tire tread depth and tire pressure — including the spare. Properly inflated tires with adequate tread improve safety, handling and fuel efficiency, especially as fall weather and wet roads arrive in the Berkshires.

3. Don't Ignore Warning Lights

That check-engine light or tire-pressure warning light probably isn't going to disappear on its own. Addressing a small issue now can prevent a bigger and more costly problem later — and reduce the chances of an unexpected breakdown during a busy school week.

4. Get an Oil Change if You're Due

Summer road trips and extra miles can add up quickly. Fresh oil helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. If you're approaching your recommended oil-change interval, back-to-school season is a good time to take care of it.

5. Check Your Shocks and Suspension

Worn shocks and other suspension components can affect your vehicle's handling, braking and tire wear — particularly on Berkshire County roads. If your vehicle feels unusually bouncy, rough or difficult to control, it's worth having the suspension inspected.

6. Make Sure You're Inspection-Ready

Massachusetts vehicle inspections help keep cars and trucks safe and road-ready. Check your inspection sticker. If your inspection is coming due, scheduling it before the fall rush can save you one more thing to worry about later.

7. Think Ahead to Winter

It may seem early, but fall is the perfect time to start preparing your vehicle for another Berkshire winter. Check your battery, wipers, fluids and tires before the cold weather arrives. A little preparation now can save you stress — and potentially money — when the first snow hits.

Back to School. Back on the Road.

You checked the backpacks. You bought the school supplies. Did you check the car?

A simple back-to-school vehicle checkup can help identify problems before they interfere with your family's already-busy schedule.

T&M Automotive is here to help Berkshire families start the school year safe and ready.

Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members.

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."

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