Whether you’re sending your teen off to high school or your college student is hitting the highway for campus, back-to-school season is the perfect time to make sure their car is ready for the road. A reliable, well-maintained vehicle can make all the difference when it comes to safety, confidence, and avoiding last-minute breakdowns during the busiest time of year.
Here are our top back-to-school car care tips to help students (and their parents) start the school year off right.
1. Schedule a Pre-Semester Inspection
Before the school year kicks into full gear, book a vehicle inspection at Honest Wrenches. We’ll check all the essentials:
Brakes
Tires
Battery
Fluids
Lights
Belts & hoses
Even if the car seems to be running fine, it’s worth having a professional take a look, especially before a long drive to college or a full season of commuting.
2. Check the Tires (Including the Spare!)
Your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road, literally. Make sure they’re in great shape:
Check the tread depth (at least 2/32”)
Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
Ensure proper tire pressure (recommended PSI is listed on the driver’s side door)
Don’t forget the spare tire! Make sure it’s inflated and in good condition, just in case.
3. Test the Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common (and most frustrating) reasons students get stranded. If the battery is more than 3 years old or shows signs of weakness (slow starts, dim lights), it’s a good idea to have it tested or replaced.
At Honest Wrenches, we can test the battery’s health and make sure your student won’t be calling from the campus parking lot asking for a jump.
4. Top Off & Replace Fluids
Back-to-school means early mornings, late nights, and lots of driving. Make sure all fluids are at the correct levels and in good condition:
Engine oil
Coolant/antifreeze
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
Dirty or low fluids can lead to major problems down the line. We’ll make sure everything is topped off and clean.
5. Check the Lights
From late-night study sessions to early morning commutes, students need fully functional headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to stay safe.
Replace any burned-out bulbs
Clean cloudy or foggy headlight covers
Make sure dashboard warning lights aren’t being ignored
6. Inspect the Brakes
Whether your student is navigating city traffic or dodging squirrels on a rural campus, brakes are non-negotiable. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel vibrations when braking, it’s time to get them checked.
7. Stock the Emergency Kit
Every student driver should have a basic roadside emergency kit, including:
Jumper cables or jump box
Flashlight
Blanket
First aid kit
Tire pressure gauge
Basic tools
Phone charger
Water and snacks
Even better? Add a printed card with emergency contacts and vehicle insurance information.
8. Don’t Skip the Oil Change
If it’s been a few thousand miles since the last oil change, don’t wait until mid-semester to take care of it. Fresh oil helps the engine run efficiently and prevents costly repairs.
Pro Tip for College Students: Set a phone reminder for your next oil change based on mileage. It’s one less thing to forget.
9. Review Roadside Assistance Options
Make sure your student has access to roadside assistance, either through their insurance, a membership service, or Honest Wrenches’ local support. That way, if something goes wrong, help is only a phone call away.
10. Teach the Basics (or Let Us Help!)
If your student is heading out on their own for the first time, this is a great moment to teach them the basics of car ownership:
How to check oil and tire pressure
What warning lights mean
What to do in an emergency
Or, send them our way. We’re happy to walk them through it and make sure they feel confident and prepared behind the wheel.
Start the School Year with a Safe, Reliable Ride
Back-to-school can be hectic, but car problems don’t have to be part of the equation. At Honest Wrenches, we make car care easy, affordable, and dependable, just the way it should be.
Schedule a pre-semester checkup today and send your student back to school with peace of mind.