Car Care Tips

Although the academic year is already in session, many college students will be hitting the road for Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and the upcoming semester break. These breaks from the busy school year are the perfect opportunity to spend some extra time discussing car care with your college student. With winter weather ahead, plan to go over a maintenance check of their car, make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency, as well as ensure they have the proper winter and emergency supplies.

 

Maintenance: An Often Overlooked Task for Students

A driver’s education course may have taught your student the rules of the road, but almost certainly did not cover car maintenance. Not only will regular maintenance go a long way in avoiding costly repairs or breakdowns at inconvenient times in the academic year, it will lay the groundwork for good car care for the rest of your student’s life.  Make sure your college student knows how and when to:

 

  • Check tire pressure and fill to the appropriate levels
  • Check and fill windshield washer fluid
  • Check oil levels and stay within the recommended mileage for oil changes
  • Replace windshield wipers regularly
  • Obtain brake inspections
  • Check car battery life
  • Rotate tires and check the state of their wear and tear
  • Consult the car manual’s maintenance schedule and follow its recommendations

 

Emergency and Winter Weather Supplies

Getting your student’s car in top shape before winter will help prevent breakdowns, getting stranded in an inconvenient location, and even an accident. Go over what to do in case of an accident or emergency, and if your family has roadside assistance through your insurance company, AAA, or other organization, inform your son or daughter of how to contact it. Parents should check that their college-aged driver has emergency supplies in the car, such as a spare tire and jack, jumper cables, first aid kit, tire gauge, spare cell phone charger, blanket, fresh water, and nonperishable snack items. Likewise, now is the time to put winter supplies such as ice scrapers and snow brushes in the vehicle, as the first snow can hit anytime. Go over tips for winter road conditions, as students have not had as much experience driving in hazardous conditions, or may need to be reminded. For example, AAA has some great winter weather driving tips you can share with your college student here.

 

Turk’s Collision Center is located in Peoria, Illinois, and is a state-of-the-art auto body shop specializing in collision repair. Our services include lifetime warranty, direct billing of insurance companies, and dedication to restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition. To learn more, visit our website or call (309) 694-2905.