Posted: 08/19/2022
If you're heading off to college, congratulations! This is a big accomplishment and you should be very proud. But before you start packing your bags and prepare for move-in day, there's one more thing you need to take care of: your car.
Preparing your car for college is important for a number of reasons. First, you'll want to make sure it's in good working order so you can get around campus easily. Second, college can be a big adjustment and having your car with you can help you feel more comfortable and settled in. And finally, college is a great opportunity to explore new places and your car will come in handy for that.
The first step in preparing your car for college is to make sure all the paperwork is in order. This includes your registration, insurance, and driver's license. If you're going to be driving your car to campus, you'll need to have all of these things up-to-date and in good standing.
Your registration needs to be current and your insurance needs to cover you while you're away at college. If you're not sure about your coverage, give your insurance agent a call and ask. They'll be able to help you figure out what you need and make sure you're covered.
As for your driver's license, if you plan on driving while at college, you'll need to make sure it's valid. Most states require you to have a driver's license to operate a vehicle, so this is something you'll definitely want to take care of before heading off to college.
The next step in preparing your car for college is to get it serviced. This means taking it to a professional technician and having them check everything out to make sure it's in good working order. They'll be able to spot any potential problems and fix them before they become bigger issues.
If you’d rather do it yourself, make sure you check off all of these boxes before setting off:
1. Get an oil change and tune-up. This is important for making sure your car is running smoothly and will help prevent any unexpected breakdowns.
2. Inspect your tires. Check the tread and pressure to ensure they're in good condition. Consider investing in a good set of winter tires if you'll be attending college in a colder climate.
3. Pack an emergency kit. This should include things like a spare tire, jumper cables, flares, and a first-aid kit. You never know when you might need them!
4. Check your brakes. This is especially important if you'll be doing a lot of driving. Make sure they're in good condition and that the pads aren't too worn down.
5. Test your battery. If it's more than a few years old, it might be time for a new one. You don't want to find out a battery is bad when it's too late.
6. Top off your fluids. This includes oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. Make sure they're all at the proper levels before heading out on a long road trip.
7. Check your wiper blades. If they're streaky or making noise, it's time for new ones. This is especially important if you'll be driving in bad weather.
By following these tips, you'll be sure to have a safe and reliable car to help you get around campus and beyond. So don't wait until the last minute to prepare your car for college - start now and you'll be glad you did!
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have auto parts stores all over the midwest. Order auto parts online and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply parts store.
