Will you be sending your child off to university or college with a car? To give yourself some peace of mind, ensure their vehicle is in top shape before your student leaves for school. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. If you don't already have one, a certified mechanic at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS^TM) facility can conduct a 139-point vehicle inspection before departure day. Then prepare your student to watch out for these common vehicle maintenance issues:

Car battery/battery case.

Car batteries should be tested every so often – especially if they’re older than three years. If a battery needs to be replaced and you’re a CAA Member, you can save $25 on a new CAA Premium Battery¹. Battery brackets and the battery case should also be inspected.

Fluid levels.

Maintaining proper fluid levels will keep your car running smoothly and longer. Ensure your student knows how to check fluid levels and what to do if they get low. Have a mechanic check your car’s engine oil, brake, transmission, windshield washer, coolant (antifreeze) and power steering fluids. Put an extra windshield washer fluid in the trunk. Remind your student to have these fluids checked again in six months.

Tires/brakes.

Cold weather can decrease tire pressure, potholes can shift your vehicle’s alignment and road salt can build up on the brakes and cause uneven and premature wear. Check that tires are fully inflated, and that brake pads don’t need replacing. If your student will be driving during winter, make sure they have winter tires. As a CAA Member, you can earn 20 CAA Dollars^® when purchasing four eligible Pirelli tires.

 

Prep your student about trouble signs to watch for while away.

Once you know the car is in good working order, prep your student about what to watch out for while away:

• Dashboard lights: Review what the dashboard symbols mean and which ones should have them heading into a service station.

• New noises: Caution your student not to ignore any new noises, thinking they will go away. Instead, have a certified mechanic weigh in.

 

Add your student to your CAA Membership for extra peace of mind.

Add your student as an Associate CAA Member so if they ever need a battery boost, a tow or are locked out of their car, they can call CAA. Plus, your student will save money on everything from fuel at Shell to CAA Auto Insurance to restaurants and fashion and tech - very handy for student budgets! Also, let them know they can call CAA Auto Advice^TM if they have questions while away at school. Performing regular maintenance and inspections will keep your car running longer and safely. When you do this at an AARS^TM facility, you’ll know that that garage has met the stringent CAA requirements for quality service at fair prices. You’ll also enjoy Member-exclusive benefits such as 3% back in CAA Dollars^® on all repairs and a guaranteed 1-year/20,000-km warranty on parts and labour. To find the AARS^TM facility near you, check here. One last thing: buy an emergency kit to put in the trunk of your student’s car, just in case they find themselves stranded by the side of the road. Now, breathe and send your student off to school. You’ve got this!

Terms & Conditions

¹ CAA Members automatically receive Member-exclusive pricing on the purchase of a new CAA Premium Battery, compared to the retail (non-member) price. CAA mobile Battery Service Member benefit subject to availability by geographical area. Call 1-800-222-4357 for location details. CAA Battery representatives will deliver, install and recycle your battery at no extra cost, upon purchase of a new CAA Premium Battery.

To earn and redeem CAA Dollars ^®, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). One CAA Dollar ^® equals $1 CAD. CAA Dollars cannot be converted into currency at any time, and cannot be used to purchase CAA Premium Batteries.

Auto Insurance is underwritten by CAA Insurance Company.

Shell trademarks are owned by Shell Brands International AG.

^®™ CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.