Another school year is right around the corner, which means millions of college students will soon be loading up their cars and heading off to campuses all across the country. As a student, before doing so it’s important to make sure that your ride’s “road ready”. If you’re the parent or guardian of a college-bound student, they may need some maintenance advice to prepare their car for those long commutes and cold-weather starts. Either way, getting a car ready for college should go more smoothly than a P.E. midterm when using these tips from the pros.
First, pop the hood and check:
Using the owner’s manual as a guide, check the fluid levels for the engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake and power steering systems. If low, top off the fluids only with products that are in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Look under the vehicle and on the engine for fluid leaks. If you see any, the color should help indicate its location and source. High-mileage cars tend to leak a little oil, so don’t panic if that’s the case. Instead, make sure you know how to check the oil level and add more when it’s low.
Test the battery with a voltmeter and replace it if it’s old or defective. Then, clean any corrosion off the battery terminals, check the wires and make sure all connections are tight.
Inspect the engine’s hoses and drive belt for excessive wear-and-tear, and have any worn-out parts replaced.
Inspect the tread depth of all your tires and look for uneven tread wear or nails. Make sure the spare tire is aired up and that there are tire tools and a jack in the trunk. Check each tire’s pressure with a gauge to ensure they’re inflated based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Drive the car around, apply the brakes and listen for any strange sounds. Does the vehicle brake smoothly and in a straight line without any play or grab in the brake pedal? If you detect any problems with the brakes, promptly get them inspected by a mechanic.
This is a two-person job, as one of you needs to sit in the passenger seat and switch on the headlights, turn signals and emergency flashers while the other person walks around the vehicle to see if they’re working. Test the high and low-beam headlights, and then the brake lights by having one of you push on the brake pedal while the other stands behind the car. If found, replace any burnt-out bulbs with new ones.
Once you’ve completed the other steps, here are a few more maintenance items to check off your list:
Test the wipers to make sure they work without streaking the windshield. If the old blades are worn, get some high-quality, all-season replacements.
All college-bound drivers need to carry an emergency kit with roadside flares, a flashlight and batteries, jumper cables, kitty litter (for traction), bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Not only will this make your ride look great, but it will also protect the finish and upholstery from things like road salt, food spills, the sun’s UV rays, and moisture. If you don’t want to detail it yourself, most auto body shops will for a fee.
Some universities offer free roadside assistance to students with vehicle problems that occur on or near campus. But you will still need the contact information for reliable auto repair shops in the area.
Even well-maintained vehicles can be involved in traffic accidents. When one damages your ride, bring it to an auto body or glass repair shop featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE-certified, which means they have the highly trained technicians, equipment and services needed to repair your vehicle like new again promptly and reliably.
Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.
