News

So you’ve got a kid who’s headed back to college…whether or not they’ve got a reliable car should be the least of your worries! Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:

Tires:  There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to tires. How much tread is left on them? Have they been rotated recently? Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles for even wear. At the very least, be sure that all tires are properly inflated. Be sure to check air pressure n the morning while tires are still cold.

Engine diagnostics: Is that Check Engine light on? We can easily track down whatever the problem might be, by hooking up a code reader to the car’s diagnostic connector.  A Check Engine light can indicate something pretty minor, or something more serious that can affect fuel economy, emissions, performance, and reliability.

Oil change: How long has it been since that car’s last oil change? It’s important to go into the winter months with a crankcase full of clean motor oil. Pull the dipstick and have a look. Fresh motor oil is honey colored and translucent. Oil that’s a bit darker but still translucent has a couple of thousand miles left before the next change. Oil that’s the color of black coffee and has an acrid smell is due for a change right away.

Cooling system: Your vehicle’s cooling system does more than prevent boilovers – it prevents freeze-ups in the winter too. Let us test the condition of the coolant/antifreeze, check the hoses and clamps and do a pressure check on the system to check for weak points.

Your college student should be able to concentrate on studies without worrying about the vehicle in his or her driveway. Let Van’s Tire help – make an appointment with us!