College isn’t only about finishing homework on time and developing friendships.
It’s about learning how to grow into an adult.
Becoming a grown-up also means learning how to take care of your car by yourself. If you’re fortunate enough to bring your car to campus, read about the car care tips you should know!
Determine Maintenance Dates Before Leaving for School
Once you get to campus, it’s easy to forget about your car because of your busy schedule. But you can’t forget about car maintenance. The best way to ensure you don’t skip regular maintenance is to determine the upcoming maintenance before you leave for school.
Pay attention to the mileage on your set of tires. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, and tire replacements should occur between 50,000 and 60,000 miles.
When was the last time you changed your oil? Oil changes are crucial to ensure you have a high-performing vehicle, improve gas mileage, and prevent transmission or engine damage. This should occur every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Transmission fluid is another important component of cars, but it doesn’t need changing often. Replace the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Ask Your Peers for Mechanic Recommendations
When it’s time for maintenance during the school year, you’ll need a mechanic you can trust. Your unfamiliarity with the town might lead you to the wrong automotive technician.
Post to online forums, text friends, or ask people in classes if they have any suggestions for a great yet affordable mechanic. It will leave you feeling better prepared for upcoming car maintenance.
Store Supplies in the Trunk
Not all college students are car experts, but it doesn’t hurt to store the supplies in the car in case of an emergency. Some of the items you should always have handy include:
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- A tire pressure gauge
- A tire repair kit
- An inflated spare tire
- Snow and ice scrapers
- A warm blanket, hat, and gloves
- A first-aid kit
It may seem like overkill to keep all these items in your car. However, you never know when your car’s battery may die on your way home from a party or when you may get a flat tire. Always stay prepared for various scenarios.
Add Seat Covers To Protect the Seats From the Sun
Not every first-year student is lucky enough to have a close parking space. Most students must park wherever the university permits them to. The lot could be halfway across campus, baking in the harsh sunlight all day long.
One way to care for your car on campus is to install car seat covers. The sun’s UV rays will scorch the interior and cause it to fade. When you don’t have parking alternatives, durable seat cover materials are the solution.
Place a GPS Tracker on Your Car
Did someone steal your car? Did you forget where you parked it in the student lot? Did you get into a terrible accident in the middle of nowhere?
A GPS tracker is a precautionary device that helps you locate your car. You can connect the device to your phone for constant access to the vehicle’s position. It’s a great way to provide yourself, your family, and your friends with a resource in case of a bad situation.
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for the dorm: laundry hampers (part of HS college calendar)
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