Will your college student be driving his or her car back to school this month? Now is a good time to start thinking about car care… before things get too busy. That way, you’ll know their car is safe for the trip and you won’t have to worry about breakdowns while they’re away at school. Just imagine the hassles of trying to find a reliable mechanic near their school. By following these helpful car care tips for college students, you can make sure your college-bound driver’s vehicle is road-ready.
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- At least two weeks before your student leaves for college, schedule an appointment to have the oil and filter changed in their vehicle. While the car is in the shop, you may want to have the fuel and air filters replaced and a tune-up done. It’s also a good idea to rotate and balance the tires.
- Check all the vital engine fluids (like transmission, cooling, braking and steering) and top-off or replace any, as needed.
- Replace an older battery. The typical life of a vehicle battery ranges around 4 to 5 years.
- Replace old/worn hoses and belts. These engine components are made of materials that get dry and brittle over time. You want to avoid having one of them break as serious engine damage could result.
- Replace the wiper blades, check to make sure all the lights are working, and have any cracks or chips in the windshield fixed.
- Create a Vehicle Emergency Kit that includes a flashlight, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, flares (or signs), and windshield washer fluid. Also check that the vehicle has a tire jack and the spare tire is in good condition.
- Check the tire air pressure and inspect the tires for tread depth, excessive wear, etc. Replace tires, if needed.
At Country Road Auto, we understand the value you place on vehicle safety and reliability. I hope these car care tips for college students will be helpful in sending your son or daughter off to school. Let our technicians help you get your college student’s vehicle ready for going back to school. Click here to make an appointment now.