How to take your car to university

WITH the “Class of 2025” achieving outstanding grades and an estimated 665,000 new students due to start university or college next month and more than 2.3 million people studying full-time, leading UK breakdown provider Start Rescue is offering advice on how to get cars ready for college life.

“Not everyone takes a car or motorcycle to college, but September sees big changes with tens of thousands of vehicles having a new address and drivers taking a car away from home for the first time without family there to help. A bit of planning, even if you’ve just accepted an offer is our strong recommendation,” says Lee Puffett from Start Rescue.

Two essentials are updating breakdown cover and insurance details, letting these key providers know where the car is so policies remain valid. Start Rescue doesn’t charge for making this change and it’s as easy as visiting its website. For existing students if you’re moving off (or back on to) campus this should be flagged.

Mr Puffett adds: “Many colleges have multiple car parks and campuses, so if you need breakdown assistance, be as clear as you can with either a car park or campus name. Try What3words for an exact location, that’s a big help for our network if you have a problem.”

Paul Elliott, general manager of Hobbs Recovery Services, member of the Start Rescue national network, recommends some car health check cribs before heading off to college. He said: “Check the condition of the tyres, especially tread levels, so you’re legal and safe. Fill up fluids to recommended manufacturer levels and use a trickle charger to get the battery in tip-top condition.”