Your baby is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime — college! You want them to be safe, and a good step to take is making sure their car is running optimally to get them there safely. Here’s how to send your kid and their car off to college safely.
Before you send your college-bound kid off, here’s a list from the Car Care Council on what you should do:
You know how busy the start of college can be, so don’t expect your student to find the time to go get their car thoroughly inspected. Before they pull out of your driveway, make sure that you haven taken their car through a thorough vehicle inspection so you can rest assured knowing they’re driving a well-equipped vehicle.
What does an inspection include? A common inspection typically includes looking at the:
Talk with your student about what they should do in case they experience a roadside emergency. Be sure they know who to contact for roadside assistance. Additionally, you should also make sure that their car has an emergency kit that includes: jumper cables, emergency flares, a flashlight, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a first-aid kit. We never want to think an emergency will happen, but unfortunately bad weather and circumstances can happen suddenly, so it’s better to be prepared.
Talk with your kid about what is normal for their car – and what could mean there’s a problem with it that needs to be looked at. Let them know that if they think something is wrong, it’s better to get it looked at by a professional before they drive much further.
Make sure your student knows that it’s important for them to stay on top routine vehicle maintenance. Keep track of when you’re supposed to do frequent things like get an oil change or have your tires rotated.
If you’re about to send your student off, bring their car by Scott’s Auto to make sure their car is in proper working condition. We will talk with you about any repairs we believe the car needs for optimal safety, or send you on your car if everything is in order. Stop by or make an appointment at one of our two convenient locations.