Whether you’re driving a 1972 Oldsmobile like the one pictured here or a 2009 Prius, now’s the time for you to take care of a few things if you drive to campus. Soon enough the busy-ness of the semester will engulf you, and getting your car serviced will be the last thing on your mind–until something goes wrong.
First of all, go ahead and get your oil changed. Other maintenance tasks you should address include topping off the windshield-wiper fluid, examining the wiper blades to see if they need to be replaced, checking your tire pressure, and measuring the strength of your battery’s charge. Get the air filter changed about once a year or so. If you don’t have time or inclination to do these things yourself, find a mechanic you trust to take care of them for you. Why not also take this opportunity to vacuum out your floorboards and clear out all the junk that’s piled up over the summer?
Make sure you’re adequately equipped. Buy an extra umbrella and stash it in the back seat, just in case you happen to forget yours on a rainy day. Do you have jumper cables? How about a flashlight? Is the spare tire properly inflated? Is your registration up-to-date and in the glove compartment? Do you have proof of insurance?
Does your campus require a parking decal or permit? If so, get one now, before the campus parking office becomes a zoo as students and faculty try to get their permits all at once.
And remember: parking on campus is going to be a nightmare on the first day of classes Avoid the stress that comes from hunting unsuccessfully for a parking space by leaving extra early that day, by carpooling with a colleague, or by taking public transportation.
Of course, carpooling and public transportation are economical and eco-friendly choices to make year-round, but they’re not always feasible. However, some campuses are easily commutable by cyclists or even pedestrians, eliminating the need for motorized transportation altogether.
Whatever your method of getting to and from campus, take some time right now to make sure you have everything you need for the commute and to anticipate any possible problems you might run into. And then put a recurring reminder for yourself into your calendar so that every 3 months or so you repeat this whole process.
These are the transportation-related things that I try to do to get ready for a new term. How do you prepare at the beginning of the semester for your commute?
[Image from flickr user hugo90. (CC-licensed)]
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9 Responses to Preparing for a new semester: Anticipate the commute
Jason B. Jones - August 19, 2009 at 8:24 am
BUY A MEMBERSHIP IN AAA. Especially if you live in a cold-weather area.
I know it seems like an old-person thing to do, but if you ever have a breakdown, or a stalled battery, or whatever, they can save your bacon.
Julie Meloni - August 19, 2009 at 9:33 am
Old person thing? No way. I’ve had a AAA membership since I was 19. I also recommend the “Plus” version of the membership, with the free towing for 100 miles. That’s a big deal when you live and drive through the middle of nowhere.
I would also add to the “adequately equipped” list for those of us in the northern climes: put the blankets, scrapers, shovels, water, tire chains etc in the trunk of the car now so that you’re not thinking about it while driving through the first snow of the season.
Also, if you’re driving through the middle of nowhere like I will be, scope out all the public telephones, and note all the places where your cell coverage drops. If you do break down in the middle of nowhere, you’ll want to know the quickest route on foot to a place where you can get a cell call through, or where there’s a landline.
Ethan Watrall - August 19, 2009 at 9:47 am
I think some credit cards are offering emergency road side assistance as part of their perks – in much the same way that many offer travel or rental car insurance. Might want to check with your credit card company.
Billie - August 19, 2009 at 10:17 am
Cell phone companies can also offer roadside assistance (for a small fee). I have availed myself of their services a time or two. In Texas, where I am, there is a phone number on the back of each person’s drivers license that one can call if in need of roadside assistance (and this is free).
Ethan Watrall - August 19, 2009 at 2:15 pm
If you can afford it, you might want to buy an in-car GPS. I love mine – especially since it can locate nearby services: banks, garages, gas stations, etc.
George H. Williams - August 20, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I will definitely second the AAA membership recommendation. Not too expensive and a relief to have when you need it.
Brian Croxall - August 20, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I’ve never been clear on the advantages of the AAA membership as opposed to my car insurance’s towing policy, which is only $2 every six months. Care to clarify your love?
George H. Williams - August 21, 2009 at 9:04 am
AAA will jump your battery, free of charge. My insurance company doesn’t cover that.
Also, AAA covers the driver, not the car: Even if you’re driving, say, a rental car or a friend’s car, they’ll come and help you out when you need them. My insurance company doesn’t do that.
However, it is possible that there are insurance policies that will do what AAA does but for less money. I haven’t done extensive research.
George H. Williams - August 21, 2009 at 9:06 am
+2 to Ethan.
I agree that this is a nice option, though I haven’t spent the money on a dedicated GPS device. And many cellphones (not just the top-of-the-line ones) have location-aware functions that will tell the driver what kinds of things are nearby.