Whether you’re headed back to the car line with your kids or sending them off to college with their own vehicle, now’s the time to plan ahead to avoid problems later.
For the car line, the Professional Parts People at O’Reilly Auto Parts say visibility is key:
- Make sure your wipers work well. You want to see well, particularly because a child walking to school with an umbrella or a hood may not see you. If your wipers are leaving streaks or smears when you use them, or if they appear cracked, split or the wiper element is flaking, it’s time for a new set. Remember: Wiper blade installation is free at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
- Check your lights. Make sure all your lights are working, including headlights, tail lights, and turn signals and replace any burned-out bulbs. Depending on your make and model, a parts professional at O’Reilly can likely help you install the new bulbs. If your headlight lenses have gotten cloudy, it may actually be a simple fix. Pick up a headlight restoration kit from O’Reilly, then clean and dry the headlights. Use painter’s tape to mask around your headlight, so you don’t get the product on your paint. Follow the instructions in your kit to apply the lens clarifying solution, sanding by hand if needed, and then seal by using the lens sealing wipe. To see the steps in action, visit the How To Hub at www.oreillyauto.com: Headlight Restoration
- Hit the brakes. Have you noticed noise, pulsating, pulling or difficulty braking? It may be time to make a change. In fact, one in seven cars needs new brakes. If you aren’t comfortable doing the repair yourself, the team at O’Reilly can recommend a trusted professional.
A little college car prep can go a long way if you’re sending a child to campus. Here are some additional things to consider:
- Look up the nearest O’Reilly Auto Parts. If your child has car trouble at school, it’s good to know where the nearest O’Reilly location is. They can count on the Professional Parts People to diagnose their check engine light for free with O’Reilly VeriScan, and recommend trusted professional shops in the area. To find the nearest store, go to oreillyauto.com.
- Navigate their navigation needs: If your child’s vehicle doesn’t have a built-in screen that displays maps and directions, it’s a good time to set them up with a hands-free phone mount and a car charger. For a few dollars, you can keep them on track and ensure they aren’t fiddling with their phone on the road.
- Prepare them for oil checks/changes. It’s best to send them off with a fresh oil change. Have them set a reminder in the calendar app on their phone to check their mileage during the semester to see when the next change is due, or use a piece of tape or oil change reminder sticker to write down the mileage for their next oil change. Show them how to check and add oil, and put a spare bottle of oil in their trunk.
- Pack an emergency kit. Include jumper cables, gloves, a poncho, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Road flares are a good additional safety measure. Don’t forget extra water and snacks. Ensure their vehicle has a jack, lug nut wrench, tire iron and that the spare tire is properly inflated before they leave. Adding a can of tire sealant inflator can also come in handy.
See the link below for more ideas!
Back to School Supplies Guide
For additional ideas, head over to our website.