4 Back to School Car Care Tips for Students
Back-to-School time is busy for both parents and students. Sports practices, clubs, classes, and endless activities.
But your student can’t get where she needs to go if her vehicle isn’t working up to par. Here are some questions you need to answer before your student gets into the thick of the busy season.
1. How are the tires?
Not only will improperly filled tires be a drag on gas mileage, but it can also cause extra wear and tear. You’ll have to replace them more frequently than you should and that’s a drain on your wallet.
Make sure your student has a tire gauge and knows how to use it. To check the tread depth, use a penny. Stick it between two tread grooves with the head down. If the top of Abe’s head shows, it’s time for new tires.
2. Do the fluids need to be topped off?
While regular oil changes are part of the equation, there’s a lot more involved than just that.
There are other fluid levels that need to be monitored, including:
- Transmission fluid.
- Brake fluid
- Coolant.
- Windshield wiper fluid
Clean fluids keep your vehicle running smoothly. It’s critical that each fluid is filled to the appropriate levels so that the corresponding components can do their jobs efficiently.
3. Do all the seatbelts work properly?
Buckling up is the law. But that’s not the only reason for your student and his passengers to wear seatbelts.
Safety restraints save countless lives every year. Airbags can’t do the job alone – and can even make it more likely that your child will be injured when they deploy without a seatbelt.
If your student’s vehicle is an older model, ask your trusted mechanic to inspect the seatbelts to make sure they’re all in working order. They can also retrofit the vehicle with newer ones.
4. Are any lights burned out?
A headlight, brake light, or turn signal that’s out poses a safety hazard. Make sure all lights, including those inside the car, are working.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the covers are clean so the lights don’t appear dim, as well.
Keep your student driver safe
As a new school year starts, you, your student, and your mechanic should work together to check tire pressure and tread, keep all the fluids topped off, the seatbelts are working, and all the lights are shining brightly.
The skilled auto technicians at your nearest Conrad’s location can help you keep your student safe as they roll into their
school and social activities.
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