College-Bound? Here’s How to Prepare Their Car
Tips from Parents at Automotive Magic Who’ve Been There, Done That (and Packed the Trunk)
As summer winds down and the campus countdown begins, many families in our community are getting ready to send their kids off to college—some for the very first time. At Automotive Magic, we’re living it right alongside you:
With Shawn's daughter is heading back to college this fall, Brian’s son is continuing his studies upstate and Brent heading out to Ohio to dig in at UNOH.
We know how exciting—and emotional—this transition can be. That’s why we’re here to help make sure the only thing you have to worry about is whether they remembered their shower caddy (and maybe giving you a call now and then).
✅ Start with an End-of-Summer Vehicle Check
If your student is hitting the highway or commuting to campus, it’s critical that their vehicle is in top shape. A quick pre-college checkup gives everyone peace of mind. Here’s what we recommend:
Oil & fluid check: Fresh fluids keep the engine running smoothly on long drives and in unfamiliar weather.
Tires & brakes: Check for proper tread, wear, and tire pressure. Brakes should be responsive and squeak-free.
Battery health: Cold dorm parking lots and dead batteries don’t mix.
Wipers & lights: Visibility is key—especially in late-night or rainy drives.
Emergency car kit: Include jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, blanket, basic tools, and a backup phone charger.
When you bring the car to Automotive Magic, we also perform a Vehicle Health Assessment to catch any potential issues early. It’s the kind of checklist we use for our own kids—because their safety matters just as much to us as it does to you.
🚗 College Driver Must-Haves: Navigating Unfamiliar Roads
Here are a few extra tips for your student as they travel on new roads and settle into their routines:
Study the route before leaving. GPS is helpful, but knowing backup routes and safe stops builds confidence.
Keep roadside assistance info handy. Whether it’s through your insurance or a third-party app, make sure they know who to call.
Be mindful about passengers. A packed car can mean distractions. Encourage safe, focused driving.
Respect local laws. From speed traps to city parking rules—what’s normal at home might be different there.
Don’t ignore dashboard lights. A warning light is their car’s way of asking for help—encourage them to text or call if one pops on.
❤️ From Our Families to Yours: 5 Non-Car Tips to Help Ease the Transition
While the car may be packed and ready, we know the emotional side of this journey is just as real. Here are five things we’ve found helpful as parents ourselves:
Teach basic life skills. Laundry, grocery shopping, managing a budget—it’s amazing how empowering those little lessons are.
Create a “comfort kit.” Include notes from home, snacks, photos, or anything that reminds them you’re cheering them on.
Set realistic expectations. From how often you’ll talk to when to visit, it helps to set the tone ahead of time.
Normalize the ups and downs. Remind them it’s okay to miss home and not have all the answers right away.
Celebrate their courage. This is a big step—for both of you.
Whether they’re heading two towns over or two states away, we’re proud to support your family through this exciting milestone. Call or visit us at Automotive Magic to schedule that back-to-school vehicle check. After all, their journey is just beginning—and it’s our honor to help them start it safely.
Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.
In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.
Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.
