means there are likely many dangers that life experience has not yet taught them, and that they will be underprepared. Time for a refresher course in the top ten things EVERY student should know about—tailored towards what a California State University student in Turlock should know!
10. The full function of the vehicle. A student preparing to leave home should know what every dial and lever on their dashboard does, and what to do about most of the warning lights and messages that they will receive. Knowing how to set the windshield wipers for any condition of rain is important, as well as how your headlights should be set up. Students should know about all the things that need replacing and the importance of paying attention to the manufacturer’s scheduled repairs. In the Turlock area, dust and pollen is the price we pay for a beautiful valley, and it’s wise to get these replaced at a minimum of once a year.
9. How to drive stick (manual). While many prefer to drive an automatic for its ease and comfort, a manual driver can switch to automatic in a heartbeat, but an automatic drive will struggle to drive with clutch. There are potentially hundreds of situations where a student might find themselves in an unfamiliar car. Learning this skill prior to needing this skill can be the difference between a safe ride home and a potentially life-threatening crash.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dOSzCHmP1xM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
8. The Best Driving Applications. It’s essential to know how to get around, especially as a student new to the Turlock area. Hands-free navigation is important for safety. Driving applications, like Google Maps and Waze, can ease a new arrival into comfortably knowing their terrain.
https://youtu.be/KELHr3pGrdU
7. Using Bluetooth tech for hands-free phone calls. California law already prohibits the use of phones in hand during driving. As of July 1st, 2021, a new law created by Tom Daly of Anaheim will add a point ‘on to a driver’s record for each hands-free violation occurring within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense’. Most cars built after 2010 have Bluetooth connectivity; check and see if yours does, too. And if possible, add it to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road!
https://youtu.be/EcTTuH-B5wM
6. A Glass-Breaking Device is Smart to Have on Hand. If there’s an instance where you are trapped in your car, in a mudslide, crashing off a bridge, or driving into a natural creek, it’s best to have some means of getting out of your seatbelt or through a window if your door won’t budge. Glass breakers, like Res-Q-Me, can help save a life.
https://youtu.be/IefSTdyj67A
5. What to Pack in Your Emergency Kit. Having some emergency items on hand, just in case, can make an enormous difference in a crisis. A small first-aid kit, a flashlight, or road flares, these items can save lives and prevent disasters. It’s a good idea to drill through the entire process of what to do at least once, to create a contextual memory to recall in the emergency.
https://youtu.be/PC7aj4oKMR8
4. How to check oil levels. While it’s often good enough to get an oil filter change and lubricant periodically, students will sometimes cut corners to save on costs. A Do-It-Yourselfer may not have the necessary experience to do repairs or oil changes competently. However, a student must be able to check their oil level at intervals to make sure everything is running smoothly. Watch this video to learn how.
https://youtu.be/H9-YT9RiM84
3. How to change a tire. This is something everyone should know how to do before leaving home for university. While the attached video can help out in a jam, it’s a good idea to spend a few hours putting on your spare and then putting your tire back on afterward, to learn how to do it in an emergency situation where conditions might not be optimal.
https://youtu.be/joBmbh0AGSQ
2. What To Do in an Emergency. It’s important to know where the emergency flashers are, and the steps to take when you have some breakdown, accident, or disaster. The obvious first step is maintaining safety. Get the emergency blinkers on, if possible. Move away from a burning vehicle. Don’t argue with another driver; establish the medical situation of yourself (are you bleeding, in pain, clear-headed?) and any passengers, and convey that to a qualified medical technician.
1. Identify a Service Center That Can Support Your Needs. Research and identify the service leaders in your area. At Nora’s Service Center, we offer terrific service at affordable pricing, and we service all major domestic and foreign car brands. We would love to become your choice for car service. We are certified in servicing hybrid vehicles, gas-powered vehicles, and light diesels, too. We excel at computer diagnostics and helping your vehicle remain reliable.
If any of the vehicles in your family fleet require an oil change, factory-recommended service, or repairs, we invite you to Nona’s Auto Center in Turlock, California. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (209) 632-2044 if you have questions. We want you to see for yourself what three generations of our family auto repair business has to offer, for we love serving our community. Nona’s Auto Center is conveniently located at 1565 W. Tuolumne Road, Turlock, CA 95382. Together, we make the world a better place, one auto repair at a time.