Making sure your car is ready to go is one of the many things to think about when heading back to school. Take the time to check key parts of your car like brakes, belts, and batteries to make sure you’ll be hitting the road problem-free.
A new school year is an exciting time for everyone. Whether you’re a parent running the carpool or a college student headed out of state, it’s vital that your ride be ready to go. In addition to good general maintenance, use this checklist to make sure that your car passes the coming year with flying colors.
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savings, helps you find the cheapest deal quickly so you can focus on the semester (and road) ahead. Let Jerry guide you through nine crucial car maintenance tips so you can feel prepared and confident as you hit the road for a new year. Back-to-school car maintenance checklist
Tires
Take a look at your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated and in decent condition. Improperly inflated or worn-out tires can lead to all sorts of problems, including lower fuel efficiency, poor traction, and decreased stopping ability.
Grab a penny and place it upside down in a tread groove. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s noggin, it’s time for new tires. Don’t forget to check your spare as well!
Brakes
This is one area that’s best left to a professional. Have your brakes inspected regularly and replace them as recommended. Worn-out brakes
can result in a car that can’t stop quickly or in the worst-case scenario, at all. Squealing or grinding sounds when using your brakes are a sign that you need them checked out. Feeling your car vibrate, shake, or pull to one side when you brake are other indications that there might be trouble.
Battery
Most car batteries last three to five years, so if yours is older than that, you might be due for a new one. Cars in extreme climates (think Fargo in the winter or Phoenix in the summer) go through batteries faster than average.
If your car is slow to start or you hear a clicking sound when you try to start your engine, you might have battery trouble. Dim headlights or flickering dashboard lights may also indicate a battery that’s on its way out.
It’s also a good idea to pop the hood and look at the battery itself. Excessive corrosion around the battery terminals is a red flag. Learn how to keep your battery happy—nothing makes a long day longer like a dead battery.
Fluids
Fluids should all be checked, changed, and topped off as needed to ensure smooth running. Regular oil changes are a must—and don’t forget to check your wiper fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. You can get this done at an area garage or learn how to do it yourself.
Lights
Run a test of all your car’s lights, including headlights, rear lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Walk around your car when it’s in park to make sure all lights are bright and working properly, and enlist a friend (or a mirror) to make sure your brake lights are readily visible.
Replace any broken or worn-out bulbs. Headlight bulbs can be found at an auto parts store and are usually priced in the twenty-dollar range. There are many different kinds of bulbs, so consult your car’s manual or ask the folks at the store to help you find the right one.
Dirty or foggy headlights can be easily cleaned at home with equipment you likely have on hand.
Wiper Blades
A good rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months. As wiper blades age, the rubber on them deteriorates. This means they don’t make good contact with the windshield, which can lead to streaks, smears, and that annoying chattering sound.
They’re easy to forget about, and it’s not fun to realize you need new ones in the middle of a downpour.
Replacement blades will run you about 20 to 50 bucks at an auto parts store, and they are typically easy to install yourself.
Seat belts and door locks
Take a minute to make sure your seat belts are in good shape, especially if you’ll be having passengers. Connect the buckles and give them a good yank to make sure they’re holding firm. Check the belt itself for any wear and tear, including twisted or frayed areas.
Seat belt laws vary by state, so make sure you know the rules for where you will be driving.
Double-check that door locks are secure and functional. Do they all lock and unlock correctly? Are your automatic door locks all working? Do the locks hold when you try to open the door from the outside? Not to sound like your parents, but safety first.
Emergency Kit
Speaking of safety, it’s vital to be prepared for the unexpected. Jumper cables, basic tools, and a first aid kit are all worthwhile investments. Assemble and keep a good emergency kit in your car at all times. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
Heating and air conditioning
Depending on where you’re located (or where you’re headed), this may not be that big of a concern. But if you’re anticipating being in some extreme climates, it’s worth your time to make sure your air conditioner
and/or heater are up to the task. While in park, turn the fan up high and then turn the temperature settings to the coldest (or hottest, depending on what you want to check) temperature. If you don’t feel cold (or hot) air, you might want to have your car looked at by a mechanic.
Make sure you have good car insurance
There’s a lot to remember when heading back to school, and your car needs are a big part of that. Perhaps one of the most important things to check before you head back to school is that you are protected with the right car insurance policy.
Chances are, however, you might be overpaying for your current insurance. Jerry
can help you find coverage that meets your needs and saves you money–we all know textbooks are expensive enough! If you want to save money on car insurance, the Jerry app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance
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