Do you have a college-bound driver who will be heading back to school this month? I’m fairly certain that least on his or her list of to-dos is making sure the vehicle is up for the trip. Before things get too hectic, it’s a good idea to think about car care for your college-bound driver. As parents, you’ll want to know the vehicle he or she will be driving is safe and reliable. Can you imagine the hassles of dealing with a vehicle breakdown and finding a mechanic near their school? By following some basic automotive car care tips for college students, you can make sure your college-bound driver’s vehicle is ready for the roads.

1. At least two weeks before your student leaves for school, have the oil and filter changed in their vehicle. You may also want to consider having the fuel and air filters replaced, rotating and balancing the tires, and having the vehicle tuned up.
2. Check all other engine fluids and top-off or replace any, as needed.
3. If the battery in the vehicle is getting close to 4 years old, have it replaced.
4. Have any old hoses and belts replaced. Over time, these parts become dry and brittle.  If they fail while your student is on the road, serious engine damage could result.
5. Change the wiper blades, check all the lights, and have cracks in the windshield fixed.
6. Create an Emergency Kit for your student’s vehicle that includes a flashlight, rope, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, flares, paper towels and extra windshield washer fluid. You may also want to check to make sure the vehicle has a tire jack and the spare tire is in good condition.
7. Check the pressure in all the tires and make sure they are in good condition. If they show excessive wear, have them replaced.

I hope these car care tips for college students were helpful to you. Go one step further to set your mind at ease. Let the technicians at Geller’s Automotive help you get your college-bound driver’s vehicle ready for going back to school. Click here to make an appointment now.