How to Get Your Car
Ready for College

college planning articles and tips

You are just days away from heading off to college, and you will soon be leaving your family and friends behind. This move certainly looks like the right one for you and you are ready to go. Like now. Your bags are packed, your kitchen, bedroom and personal effects are in order -- now all you need is to time your departure for your dorm to be opened.

There is one important matter that still needs to be addressed, especially if you are taking your car to campus with you. Your car may be packed and ready to go, but has it been checked out to handle the long road trip ahead of you? If not, make an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible to get your car road-ready.

1. Replace aged or cracked wiper blades.
One easily overlooked part that is often forgotten until the first downpour are the wiper blades. Blades feature rubber gaskets and these all-important units can wear out fast. Even if the blades look fairly good, you may want to replace them now -- you'll get at least a semester worth of use from new blades and likely you won't have to worry about your blades again until after winter has passed. Buy a spare pair too and keep that in your trunk or storage compartment.

2. Check your tires.
Aged tires are dangerous and should be replaced. Signs of wear include erratic tread wear, wear along the edges and cracks and cuts along the sidewall. Worn tires should be replaced. Keep your tires inflated to the proper level as outlined by your manufacturer. Rotate tires once every 6,000 miles. And if your tires are new, bring your warranty with you.

3. Get a tune up.
You've been following your oil change schedule precisely, but what about other maintenance? Have you mechanic inspect your car closely for signs of wear and tear. He may recommend a tune-up, and suggest replacing your spark plugs and spark plug wires, swapping out hoses and belts, and handling other problems that you may not even be aware of. If the check engine light on your dashboard has recently come on, tell your mechanic. Don't take your car on the road until all repair issues are handled.

4. Notify your auto insurer.
Your family's insurance company must be notified if you are taking your car to college. Call up your insurer, give them your college address and answer the agent's questions regarding how many miles you will be driving, where the car will be parked and your current coverage needs. If your rates suddenly spike, then you may need to shop for a new insurer.

5. Pack a breakdown kit.
An emergency kit can be overlooked, but is certainly needed when trouble arises. You are heading off to college with a cell phone, but when you're stranded along the road, you will want to do what you can to get going as soon as possible. You can buy a packaged kit or assemble one yourself. Items to include: a working flashlight with extra batteries, extra belts and hoses, reflective warning triangles, work gloves, rags, a tire gauge, tire sealant, jumper cables, work tools, a tow rope, a snow shovel and an ice scraper. Other items worth considering include a car cell phone charger, nonperishable food, drinking water and a blanket. Yes, bring with you a generous supply of duct tape -- it can be used to fix many things in a pinch.

Legal Matters
In addition to ensuring that your auto insurance matters are in order, your car should have had a recent inspection. If you are away from college when the next inspection is due, how will you handle this? Your state's registration should also be updated and if there are property taxes to be paid, then do this now. Lastly, verify that your emergency road assistance coverage is up to date and is the plan you need for this academic year.

Sources
CarMD: Off to College: Vehicle Prep -- http://www.saycampuslife.com/2010/08/09/off-to-college-vehicle-prep/
SayCampusLife.com: Off to College: Vehicle Prep -- http://www.saycampuslife.com/2010/08/09/off-to-college-vehicle-prep/
Consumer Reports: Early Warning Signs of Tire Failure -- http://consumerreports.org/cro/2012/03/early-warning-signs-of-tire-failure/index.htm
Motor Authority: How To Get Your College Car Ready for Winter -- http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1050826_how-to-get-your-college-car-ready-for-winter
Jake Claus has always loved European cars, and now he blogs about them, for himself and for others. He is currently working with BMW of Towson.

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