Prepare the Car for Back-to-School

Do you have a college-aged student who is gearing up to head to campus in just a few short weeks? It can be a hectic time for both parents and students, and ensuring that the transition goes smoothly is a must. Between packing bags, shopping for back-to-school essentials, and downloading the class syllabus, it can be easy to forget that your student’s car also needs to get back-to-school ready. Luckily, we have some great tips on how you can do just that, and at the same time avoid costly auto repairs and time worrying about the safety of your student.

Vehicle Back-to-School Check

It’s important to send your student off in a car that you are confident is as safe as it can be. You have enough other things to worry about. Simply follow the tips below, and rest easy knowing you did everything you could to prepare for the vehicle for that trip back to campus.

• Vitals Check. There are many things that work to make a car run smoothly. Check under the hood to help prevent maintenance issues from popping up. Check all of the fluid levels including: oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake. Your owner’s manual is a great guideline for where each is located under the hood. Be sure to check that the battery is corrosion-free, and if your battery is more than two years old, consider having it replaced.
• Tires. Be sure that the tread on the tires is not below the point of replacement. Also ensure that the pressure is correct with a tire pressure monitor. Be sure your student’s car is equipped with a spare tire and an emergency kit for repairing it.
• Lights. Have your student check to make sure all of the lights, turn signals, and hazards are in working order. Be sure to also check that the brake lights are working properly.
• Local Resources. If your student is going far away from home, look into a reputable place for him to bring the car in case something does go wrong. The university your child attends may also have services for students with cars. Look into it, and inform your student of the best course of action if trouble arises.

Follow these easy tips, and your student’s car should be in great shape for the school year!