🎒🚗 Back-to-School Car Checklist
Carlee Hoekenga • August 12, 2025
Is your car campus ready? Let Mattie’s help you make sure!
Here’s Mattie’s back-to-school checklist to help college students (and parents!) feel confident on the road:
✅ 1. Check Your Oil & Fluids
Make sure your car is topped off with clean engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to breakdowns—and no one needs that on move in week!
✅ 2. Inspect Tires for Wear & Pressure
Properly inflated tires not only improve gas mileage but also keep you safe. Check tread depth and look for any cracks or uneven wear. Don’t forget to check the spare tire too!
✅ 3. Test Your Battery
A dead battery can be a major headache on a Monday morning when your rushing to class. If your battery is over 3 years old or you’ve noticed any slow starts, it may be time to have it tested or replaced.
✅ 4. Make Sure Your Brakes Are in Top Shape
Squeaky, grinding, or soft-feeling brakes? Don’t ignore the signs. Have them inspected to make sure your stopping power is strong.
✅ 5. A/C & Heat Check
It may still be hot out now, but cold mornings and snowy drives are right around the corner. Make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly before the seasons change.
✅ 6. Lights & Wipers
Headlights, brake lights, and wiper blades all need to be in working condition for visibility and safety—especially during those late-night drives back from campus or rainy commutes.
Did you know most vehicles have a recirculation button next to the A/C controls — but many drivers aren’t sure when or why to use it? Here’s a quick rule of thumb: ✅ Use it in the summer ❌ Turn it off in the winter Why? The recirculation feature reuses the air already inside your vehicle instead of pulling in hot air from outside. So on scorching days if you’re not using it, your A/C is working overtime trying to cool the hot air from outside! Turning recirculate ON keeps your cabin cooler and reduces strain on your A/C system . Win-win!
Why Your Car’s A/C is More Than Just Comfort
Avoid costly breakdowns with timely auto repair in Stratford, CT. Trust Mattie's Service Center for expert care. Contact us today for dependable service.
