Vote for Us in the Best of Arizona Business Awards!

5 Essential Car Care Tips for College Students: Save Money and Stay Safe

Being a college student at Arizona State University (ASU), Mesa Community College (MCC), or anywhere else means juggling a lot—classes, assignments, and maybe a part-time job. Your car is your key to freedom, getting you around Tempe, Mesa, and beyond. To keep it reliable and avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is crucial.

At Good Works Auto Repair, located at 2348 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ, we’re committed to helping students with affordable auto repair, student discounts, and a free shuttle service to and from ASU and MCC. Here are five car care tips tailored for college students to keep your vehicle in great shape.

5 Car Care Tips College Students Need to Know

1. Monitor Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels Regularly

Your car relies on several fluids to run smoothly—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to engine overheating, poor braking, or reduced visibility, especially in Arizona’s scorching heat. Check your fluid levels monthly and top them off as needed (refer to your owner’s manual for guidance).

If you’re unsure about what to do, bring your car to Good Works Auto Repair. Here, our certified technicians will check and refill fluids at a student-friendly price. Our student discounts and free shuttle service make it easy to keep your car maintained without disrupting your campus schedule.

2. Pay Attention to Your Brakes

Brakes are critical for your safety, especially when navigating busy streets near ASU’s Tempe campus or MCC’s Mesa locations. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel a spongy brake pedal, it’s time to get them checked. Worn brake pads can damage rotors, leading to expensive repairs.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we provide thorough brake inspections and repairs with transparent pricing and student discounts. Our free shuttle service ensures you can drop off your car and get back to class hassle-free, while we keep your brakes in top condition.

Watch this video to learn what it means when your brakes are squealing!

3. Rotate and Balance Your Tires for Optimal Safety and Performance

Uneven tire wear can affect your car’s handling and fuel efficiency, making your drives to campus or weekend trips less safe and more expensive. Rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles helps them wear evenly, extending their lifespan.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we offer tire rotation and balancing services for students. Our shop, located near ASU and MCC, is open Monday through Friday, and we’ll shuttle you to and from campus for free while we work on your vehicle.

4. Schedule Routine Maintenance at Our Tempe Auto Repair Shop

Regular preventative maintenance can catch small issues before they become major headaches, saving you time and money. This includes checking spark plugs, fuel filters, and other components that keep your engine running efficiently. For students driving older cars to ASU or MCC, tune-ups are especially important to avoid breakdowns during critical times like midterms or finals.

At Good Works Auto Repair, we tailor our services to fit your schedule and budget, offering student discounts and refillable gift cards for parents who want to help cover maintenance costs. Our team also provides detailed explanations and written estimates, so you know exactly what your car needs.

5. Keep Your Vehicle’s Battery in Good Condition

Arizona’s extreme heat can drain your car’s battery faster than you’d expect, leaving you stranded in a parking lot or on the side of the road. Test your battery every six months, especially before summer or winter breaks. Signs of a weak battery include slow engine cranking or dim headlights.

Good Works Auto Repair offers battery testing and replacement and we service a variety of vehicle types, including hybrids and medium-duty trucks. If you’re stuck, we can arrange towing, and our free shuttle service ensures you get to ASU or MCC without delay.

Why Good Works Auto Repair is the Best Auto Repair Shop in Tempe for ASU and MCC Students

At Good Works Auto Repair, we’re more than just a repair shop—we’re a trusted partner for ASU and MCC students. Located at 2348 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, on the West Mesa border, we’re conveniently close to both campuses. Our certified technicians provide honest, high-quality service for a variety of vehicles, from compact cars to hybrids. Plus, we offer student discounts to keep repairs affordable and a free shuttle service to get you to and from campus while we work on your car. Parents can call us to discuss repairs or make payments over the phone, and our refillable gift cards are a great way to ensure your car stays maintained. With the best warranty in the business and a commitment to transparency, we’re here to keep you safe and your vehicle reliable.

Schedule your appointment today and let us take care of your car so you can focus on crushing your college classes!