Back-to-School Vehicle Checklist: Is Your Car Ready for School?

Between daily carpools, after-school activities, and weekend events, the school year puts new demands on both your vehicle and the people driving it. Before classes begin, use this back-to-school vehicle checklist to make sure your car is ready for the extra miles ahead—and that every driver in your family is prepared for a safe, reliable school year.

For parents: Schedule vehicle maintenance

Having a trustworthy auto repair shop makes all the difference in properly maintaining your vehicle. From routine oil changes to complex repairs, it’s reassuring to have a technician you can trust.

When it comes to automotive maintenance, your back-to-school vehicle checklist should include standard maintenance items along with checks your repair shop recommends based on your vehicle’s age, mileage, and condition.

Car battery. Conduct a quick inspection of your car battery to ensure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion and that the cable connections are secure. Also keep in mind that if your battery fails unexpectedly, AAA Mobile Battery Service offers testing and replacement batteries—and the technicians can come to you.
Oil changes. Perform oil changes routinely, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your vehicle. Many drivers keep track with windshield stickers, dashboard reminders, maintenance apps, or service records.
Vehicle fluids. Check other important fluids—such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. They may need to be flushed and changed or simply topped off.

Tires. Well-maintained tires are essential for safety and a smooth ride. Ask your technician to check tread depth, inspect the tires for uneven wear, bulges, punctures, or other damage, as well as determine whether it’s time for a rotation or wheel balance.
Brakes. Have brakes inspected for wear during routine maintenance, making sure the brake pads, rotors, and other braking system components are in good condition.
Vehicle lights. Be sure all exterior lights—including headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights—are working properly.
Other concerns. A routine maintenance appointment is also a great time to mention anything unusual you’ve noticed, such as noises when braking, difficulty starting the engine, fluid leaks, or rough shifting. Catching potential problems early can reduce the chance of a breakdown that could leave you stranded.

For high school drivers: Build safe driving habits

Preparing the vehicle is only part of the equation. If you have a newly licensed teen, the start of the school year is also the perfect time to reinforce safe driving habits and build confidence behind the wheel. AAA offers helpful resources for young drivers, including its AAA Driving School.

A few things to discuss regularly with your new driver include:

Buckle up. Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe. The driver and every passenger must always wear one.
Eliminate distractions. Put phones away and limit the number of passengers riding with new drivers, which is required by law in many states.
Follow the rules of the road. Obey speed limits and pay extra attention to traffic lights and stop signs.
Make smart decisions behind the wheel. Emphasize the dangers of impaired driving, distracted driving, and texting while behind the wheel.
Practice, practice, practice. New drivers need plenty of experience behind the wheel in different conditions, including daytime and nighttime driving, as well as driving in both dry and rainy weather. Ride along as your teen practices driving the route they’ll take to and from school and learns where they should park.
Know what to do in an emergency. Make sure your teen knows where to find documents needed in case of an accident—such as vehicle registration and proof of insurance—and walk them through what to do if they’re involved in an accident or pulled over by law enforcement.

For college-aged drivers: Reinforce car care basics and emergency preparedness

Heading off to college often means more independence—and more responsibility behind the wheel. Before your student leaves campus-bound, take time to review a few car care basics and emergency preparedness tips that can help them stay safer on unfamiliar roads and farther from home.

Make a vehicle maintenance appointment. Schedule any needed maintenance for the vehicle they’ll use at college.
Reinforce safe driving habits. Take any opportunity to remind your college student about the dangers of texting and driving, impaired driving, and other distractions behind the wheel.
Keep a spare key. Have an extra set of keys, especially if campus isn’t close to home.
Store an emergency kit. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of the car with jumper cables, a first- aid kit, a blanket, a tire gauge, a flashlight, flares, and basic tools. Double-check that the spare tire is in good condition.
Double-check documentation. Verify that the vehicle proof of insurance and other important paperwork are handy.
Download the AAA Mobile App. Make sure your student downloads the free AAA Mobile App and knows how to use it to request roadside assistance.

. . . . .

Whether you’re driving the daily school commute, helping a teen gain confidence behind the wheel, or sending a college student off on their own, a little preparation goes a long way. Taking time to complete a back-to-school vehicle checklist can help keep your family safer, reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and give everyone greater confidence for the busy school year ahead.