Let’s face it; with all of the stresses of heading away to school, the last thing a college-bound student needs is car trouble.

CarMD shares money-saving car maintenance tips for college-bound drivers

And the last thing parents need is an expensive car repair surprise. That’s why the team at CarMD has put together these tips to help college students and their parents get that ride ready for college:

• Get a Tune-up – Before you pack up and head off to college, it’s a smart idea to schedule a tune-up for your car. It should include an oil change, fuel and air filter replacement, valve adjustment, spark plug inspection and replacement, tire rotation and balance, fluid top-off and visual inspection. If you have a trusted family mechanic or repair shop, it’s a good idea to ask if they have a referral to a shop in the town where you will be attending school. You’re better off following a scheduled maintenance program and spending $100 on a tune-up now than getting saddled with an expensive bill that costs more than the semester’s tuition later.

• Replace Old Parts – Conduct a visual inspection of everything from brakes to belts, and replace worn parts. Hoses can become dry and brittle, especially in harsh climates. Be sure to replace belts if they are showing any signs of cracks, leaks or blistering. Turn your ignition key forward but don’t start the car. All of the dashboard warning lights should come on. Make sure the bulbs are there and everything lights up. Also check turn signals, headlamp and brake lights. The battery charge should also be checked and replaced if you’ve experienced frequent slow starts. Tires should be replaced if they show visible signs of wear and tear or balding. If brakes are squealing or taking a while to slow the vehicle down, you may need new brake pads. They can often be replaced for under $100, which is cheaper than a complete brake job.

• Change your wiper blades – You’re probably thinking… but it’s not raining! Changing your wiper blades is one of the best things you can do to help ensure your safety, and it’s easy to do. The right time to change the wiper blades is NOT during a downpour when you cannot see three feet in front of you and need to get to class for a final exam. Or worse yet during a snowstorm. Invest in some nice wiper blades to keep your windshield clear during rain and snow. There are enough other things competing for your attention while you are driving and struggling to see out your front windshield should not be one of them. Windshield wiper blades only cost about $20 for a set and can help a young driver avoid an accident by seeing something a split second sooner.

• Pack an Emergency Tool Kit – Chances are everything the college-bound student has ever needed to repair the car has been right there in mom and dad’s garage. Now that he or she is heading away from home, they’ll need a set of tools and emergency items for quick car repairs. Be sure the kit includes: a flash light with extra batteries, tow rope, first aid kit, flares, a tire jack and spare tire. It’s also a good idea to have an assortment of tools such as a lug wrench, hammer, standard and Phillips screwdrivers and adjustable wrench. Extra paper towels and window washer fluid are good to have. And duct tape can be useful to temporarily hold a mirror in place, cover a hole in a hose or patch a broken window. Jumper cables are also a must to have and know how to use. No one wants to be in a parking structure after a late night class with a car that won’t start.

• Tuck CarMD in the Glove Box – The CarMD® Vehicle Health System™ can provide peace of mind before you head out on that drive away from home. It’s also a good idea to run a CarMD quick check every semester or so to make sure your vehicle doesn’t have any hidden problems. If that dreaded “check engine” light does appear, CarMD diagnoses the problem and estimates what parts and labor should fairly cost in the college town you’re in. That way, you have a second opinion so that you don’t end up paying more than you have to at the repair shop.

• Update Your Address – Be sure to alert your automotive manufacturer, insurance and roadside assistance carriers of your new locale, and check to see if there are any added discounts for the new address. It’s particularly important to alert your dealership and manufacturer of your new address so they notify you of any safety recalls. Catching known problems and recalls early can often lead to low- or no-cost repairs.

Regardless of whether you’ve chosen a college that’s hundreds of miles away or closer to home, it’s a smart financial decision to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. College is hard enough, and expensive enough, without having to worry about car trouble.