automotive Archives — College Planning Center and GuidesCollege Planning Center and Guides

A college student sitting in a car trunk with moving boxes packed around them as they prepare to leave home for college.

Bringing a Car to College? 5 Pre-Move-In Maintenance Tasks

Taking your car to college adds freedom to campus life, but a few maintenance checks before move-in can prevent car trouble once the semester gets underway.

A close-up of the back of a white pickup truck with stuff in the bed strapped with thin ropes on a busy street.

How To Move Safely Across the Country With a Pickup Truck

Get your pickup ready for a move across the country with practical steps that will help keep your truck stable and your cargo secure from start to finish.

A college-age person and an older mechanic leaning over an open car hood. The student handles wires under the hood.

Tools You Need for Automotive Electrical Repairs

Equip yourself with each of these tools you need for automotive electrical repairs if you want to have more control of your vehicle right now.

A woman in a black shirt is sitting in the driver’s seat of a car. She’s adjusting some controls on the dashboard.

How to Keep Your Car Looking Good on a College Budget

Keep your car clean and protected in college without overspending. Simple habits and smart choices help maintain your vehicle’s appearance on a budget.

A college student with a backpack examines a dent on the rear panel of his blue car in a parking lot.

Parking Lot Damage Checklist for College Students

Parking lot damage doesn’t have to derail your day. Here’s what to document, who to contact, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes.

A young woman holding a thick book with a blue cover and a coffee cup pulling on the handle of a car door.

Is Commuting to College Worth It? Here’s What to Consider

Trying to decide between commuting or dorm life? Here’s what you need to weigh before you commit to driving back and forth for your college classes.

A woman in a black, polka-dotted shirt sits in the driver's seat of a car with a frustrated look on her face.

Saving on Car Maintenance as a College Student

Unexpected car repairs can be a financial burden for students. These basic maintenance skills will help you stay on budget and keep your vehicle reliable.

Several rust spots in the surface of a car. The car paint is gray, but the rust spots are a reddish orange color.

Top Reasons Why Rust Spots Are Forming on Your Car

Understand the common causes of rust spots on your car and how to address them effectively to protect your vehicle’s appearance and durability.

Multiple vehicles driving through a blizzard that is obscuring the road. Around the road are snow-covered trees.

How Extreme Weather Events Affect Road Safety

Learn essential tips for driving safely in extreme weather. From floods to ice storms, discover how to protect yourself during dangerous weather.

Two young women are driving in a car for a road trip and smiling. The interior of the vehicle is black.

How Weather Affects Your Tires While Traveling for School

Learn how hot, cold, and wet weather impacts tire performance for student travelers. These are essential safety tips for college commutes and campus moves.