Back to School Driving Tips

This is it; the last stretch of summer and the back to school rush begins. Supply lists, dorm supplies, class assignments, sports tryouts, new clothes, and a car maintenance appointment. I’ll bet the last item on this list caught you off guard. Before you hand over a car to your student for school, make sure you’re giving them a vehicle that’s ready to make the journey safely. We know as parents your mind may be filled with school preparation checklists, so here are some important college-bound road trip tips and every day driving tips you can share with your young driver heading back to school (and maybe a few reminders to help your car as well).

 

College-Bound Road Trip Tips:

• Freshen Your Fluids – making sure the basics are covered will go a long way for the longevity of your car. Change the oil, oil filter, air filter, coolant top off/flush.

• Check Your Tires – make sure the tread is in good shape, they are properly inflated, and the wear pattern is within normal range. Read more about tire safety here.

• Lights Check –  headlights, brake lights,  and turn signals should all be in operable condition and headlight beam angle should be checked.

• Don’t over pack the Car – it’s tempting to fill every nook and cranny, but this poses extra risks for blind spots, and can even reduce gas mileage and wear on the suspension depending on the weight. Share the load between vehicles if possible, or plan to buy some items once you arrive.

• Plan your Route – map out your main route and identify resting and eating stops. You should also become familiar with alternate routes in case construction, or inclement weather conditions make it necessary for you to take a detour.

• Check on your car’s emergency roadside safety kit.

• Charge your cell phone and keep emergency contacts in your glove box.

• Always have a full tank of fuel before leaving on a long road trip and never go below half a tank.

• Join a roadside assistance program (Osceola Garage offers free roadside assistance for all its  customers)

Everyday Driving Tips:

• Buckle Up

• Don’t Text & Drive

• Take Breaks for eating and to stretch your legs.

• Remember to lock up! College campuses and surrounding cities are not as safe a parent’s driveway. Remember not to leave your phone or laptop in your car and to always lock the car before going inside.

• Park Safely – park in a well-lit area, away from shrubs and bushes. Keep your keys in hand ready to enter a vehicle. Back in, if possible, for easier exiting.

• Lastly, If you or your student need to pull over for an emergency, try and pull over in a well lit, high foot traffic area, or if on the highway as far off the road as possible. Put on your hazards and call your emergency contact right away. Call your roadside assistance carrier and wait inside your car with the doors locked.

Whether your student is driving to high school for the first time, or a student heading out on their first solo road trip back to college, Osceola Garage wants to make sure that you and your student’s trip is as stress-free as possible. Bring your car in for our back to school maintenance special today and we’ll make sure your vehicle is ready for wherever this new chapter takes your student.