Getting Your Car Ready for Back to School

Students can learn how to get their car school-ready with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

As the start of the school year approaches and you begin buying new supplies and clothes, don’t forget to check on one of the most important things to have during the school year: your car.

No matter if you’re a parent, high school, or college student, it’s extremely important that you make sure your car is ready to go back to school. There are several things you should check to ensure all is running well and safe.

You want your car to be reliable throughout the entire school year. That’s why Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to show you how to get your car school-ready!

Tires

You want to make sure your tires are in good condition. You don’t want to be starting the school year with worn-out, stripped tires. This will make it hard for you to stop and steer your car safely, especially on slick or snowy roads.

To check if your tires have enough tread, place a penny upside down in one of the grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.

You also want to make sure your tires aren’t under-inflated. You can check this with a tire pressure gauge. The pressure should match the one recommended by your manufacturer. You can find this number inside the driver’s door on most cars.

Battery

The next thing you’ll want to check is your battery. Most car batteries need to be replaced about every three to five years. If you’ve had yours longer than this, chances are it needs to be replaced. Next time you take your car into an auto repair shop, have your mechanic test the battery to see if you need a new one.

Brakes

Over time, your brake will wear down. And eventually, you’ll need to replace the brake pads. Worn-out brakes are dangerous because they can cause your car to not stop quickly or at all.

If your brakes make any sort of grinding or squeaking noise when you try to stop, that may be an indicator that it’s time to get them fixed. It’s a good idea to have your local mechanic check them.

Oil

Most cars need their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, it’s probably worth doing before going back to school.

Going too long before changing your oil can cause serious engine damage. This and other types of preventative maintenance can save you from having to deal with many expensive car repairs in the future.

Lights

You’ll also want to make sure all your lights are working properly. This includes your headlights, brake lights, blinkers, and hazards. Have another person help you ensure all are working well.

Having burnt out lights can be very dangerous, especially when driving at night.

Windshield

There are a few things to check when it comes to your windshield. You want to make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. They should be able to keep your visibility clear in any driving condition. Old wiper blades will make smears or streaks on your windshield.

You’ll also want to check your windshield wiper fluid. No matter if it’s empty or there’s still a bit left, it’s a good idea to top it off before the school year.

Cooling System

It’s very important that your cooling system is working properly. Check your coolant levels, and add more if you need to.

If you’re worried your car is overheating, it’s best to have a professional look at it.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Depending on where you go to school, your car’s heating and air conditioning could be an important thing to check. If you live somewhere hot, you’ll obviously want to make sure your air conditioning is working correctly. And if you live somewhere that gets cold, you’re going to want your car to have heat.

These are simple to check. Just turn on your car’s heat or air, and see if they’re doing what they’re supposed to. If not, you can take your car into a mechanic to get them fixed.

Other Fluids

In addition to the fluids already mentioned (oil, wiper fluid, and coolant), you’ll want to top off or change any other fluids your car is in need of. This includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.

Spare Tire

You’ll want to make sure you have a good spare tire as a backup if you get a flat tire. Make sure your spare is inflated properly. Also ensure that you have a usable jack in your car.

Safety Features

You also want to check that all your car’s safety features are in working condition. Seatbelts, for example, are essential to have for your safety. And if you drive an older car, you may want to get the seatbelts replaced with current ones. Your mechanic can help you with this.

And you should check your door locks to make sure they’re all functioning properly.

Emergency Kit

Another good thing to do before the school year begins is build an emergency kit for your car. You never know when you might need one, and it’s a good thing to have on hand in case of emergencies.

The kit should include a number of things. First, you should have a first aid-kit. If your car already has one, restock it. If it doesn’t, be sure to get one.

Second, you should have a set of jumper cables. These are good to have if your battery dies.

And third, make sure you have any other materials you think you might need in the event of an emergency. This can include things like a basic tool kit, a blanket, a flashlight, water, some snacks, cash, a phone charger, duct tape, and emergency contact information.

Clean & Organize

Another thing to do in order to get your car school-ready is clean it. This includes both the inside and outside of your vehicle.

For the exterior, you can take it to a car wash, or do it yourself at home. Washing the outside of your car doesn’t just make it look good. It also helps protect it from damage due to things like dirt and debris.

To clean the interior, throw away any trash, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum. Then, organize it! You can add things like a small trash bin and wipes to help keep it clean all school year long.

Proof of Insurance, Registration, & Driver’s License

The last thing to ensure you have before going back to school is proof of insurance, registration, and your driver’s license. Make sure all these items are up to date.

Store your proof of insurance and registration somewhere you won’t lose them in your vehicle. And always make sure you have your driver’s license with you when driving.

You can have a professionally trained mechanic help you get your car ready for back to school by visiting Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s Automotive Service Center.

For more articles on car maintenance and how to care for your vehicle, visit our Automotive Blog.