It is that time of the year again! With summer’s end approaching, college students and their families prepare for back to school trips. It is critical you have a piece of mind that your car is in tiptop shape for the long trek ahead. The experts at Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair share their at-home road trip checklist to prepare you for a smooth college move-in road trip.
This season is the start of a new chapter for many college students, and it can be hectic with shopping and packing for their dorms and apartments. Remember to check the condition of your car! If you are planning to drive to a college town for a move-in, you should check to guarantee your car is in the best condition for the long drive. No one wants car troubles on such an exciting day!
At-Home Car Checklist
Before you pack up the car with containers of clothes, shoes, toiletries, technologies, and everything in between, do a quick walk around to examine your vehicle.
- Check your wipers
In the case of stormy weather, windshield wipers are essential for you to clearly see the road. Think of wipers as insurance for safe driving. If the rubbers appear worn out, replace them with new windshield wipers! You can always ask a friend, loved one, or your auto repair shop if you want help with replacing wipers on your car.
- Check the fluids
Open the hood and check on the levels of your fluids – oil, brake, power steering and transmission. Grab the dipstick and examine whether you need to add oil or brake fluid.
- Check the battery
Typically, batteries are replaced every 3 to 5 years. Batteries give almost no warning when they will fail, so it is important to examine the battery before a long trip. You can assess your battery by looking at the date printed on the top of it. Corrosion should be cleaned in order to keep the electrical ground and amperage level in the optimal range.
- Check lights
Are the lights on the front and back of the car as well as your brake lights working? Without any warnings from your car, one of the light bulbs can bust or a short circuit can affect the lights. You can switch on the lights to check the status of all the lights. Driving at night with the lights not functioning correctly can be extremely dangerous.
- Take a test drive
Drive your car up and down the street and listen for any unusual sounds. It helps to turn off the stereo to listen. If you hear any clanking or squealing, take your car to a certified auto repair shop for service. Do not self-diagnose!
How are the brakes on your test drive? If you notice any clicking or screeching, it may be time to schedule a brake service at Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair.
- Put together an emergency kit
As a good rule of thumb, you should always keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. One of the most useful tools are jumper cables, and make sure to include the instructions of how to use them. Some other items you can include in the kit are blankets, duct tape, flashlight, a few water bottles, phone chargers, and first-aid items.
- Get a car wash
You can start the road trip on the right foot with a clean car. With a sparkling clean windshield and new wipers, you have the assurance of seeing the road for a safe drive. This can be an excellent opportunity to remove any trash or unnecessary items to make room for all the containers. Place a small trash bin to consolidate all food wrappers, fruit peels, and other debris in a designated spot.
Visit Your Trusted Auto Mechanics
Does your car make strange noises? Are your brakes not responding well? From brakes to transmission services, the auto repair shop will check any concerns regarding your car.
Before any long road trips, schedule general maintenance with certified mechanics. Car care should be a priority for your college move-in road trip to avoid unfortunate car breakdowns. Save yourself the hassle by checking your car before loading it up and visiting your neighborhood auto repair shop.
Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair has a team of certified mechanics and extremely qualified technicians who can assist in caring for your car. Call us today at (949) 587-9060 for an appointment or fill out our contact form and let us help you with transmission or general auto service & repair.
