{"id":116629,"date":"2024-08-15T23:37:20","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T06:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=116629"},"modified":"2024-12-19T20:33:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T04:33:42","slug":"back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Back-to-School Essentials: Must-Have Accessories and Maintenance Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column116629_812440-2e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column116629_812440-2e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column116629_812440-2e inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-301edf  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-d07815\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116629_4db628-9b\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some must-have accessories to make going back to school hassle-free include roadside emergency kits, cargo organizers, first aid kits, and phone holders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Car maintenance is also crucial to ensure safety and optimum performance. Essential tasks include inflating the tires, changing faulty windshield wipers, and refilling the coolant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also pays to replace dim lights, wash your car, and change your oil before you hit the road.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re a student or a parent who drops off and picks up their kids from school, there&rsquo;s no denying that your car has a huge impact on your daily life. It&rsquo;s a transition space where you or your children get in the zone for another busy day and decompress at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that said, how well your car is equipped to cater to your needs can sometimes set the tone of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a cluttered cabin makes it hard to find items. The struggle can give way to a frustrated search or a time-consuming trip home to retrieve something you didn&rsquo;t know you had left behind. Either way, the experience can influence your mood for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, there are accessories that can help you avoid such issues and make going back to school hassle-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Back-to-School Car Accessory Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school.jpg\" alt=\"car accessories for back to school\" class=\"wp-image-116634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/car-accessories-for-back-to-school-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How well your car is equipped to cater to your needs can sometimes set the tone of the day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some must-have accessories to make school trips safer and more convenient include roadside emergency kits, cargo organizers, first aid kits, a hand sanitizer holder, and a phone holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roadside Emergency Kits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/roadside-emergency-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Roadside emergency kits\">Roadside emergency kits<\/a> are useful, especially during the school season when time is of the essence for students. These kits have everything you&rsquo;ll need in case of car-related emergencies, including jumper cables, flashlights, and an emergency disc LED flare kit, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having these at your disposal lets you get back on the road quicker. It also ensures others are aware of your circumstances, which helps prevent accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cargo Organizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cargo-organizer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"cargo organizer\">cargo organizer<\/a> frees up more space inside your cabin. This is especially useful if you&rsquo;re dropping off or picking up multiple kids, as it can get crowded inside the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These organizers will also let you keep crucial tools in case of emergencies, like a first aid kit, jumper cables, WD-40 spray, and flashlights, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different types of cargo organizers. There are storage units that you can keep underneath the seat, at the back of your truck, or even at the back of the passenger seat. You can also get ones that add partitions to your trunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First Aid Kits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s important to have access to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/first-aid-kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"first aid kit\">first aid kit<\/a> at all times, especially if you have children. Kids can be quite playful at school or inside the car, so some bumps and bruises shouldn&rsquo;t be too surprising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a first aid kit inside your car lets you treat minor injuries immediately. Some kits also come with medicine, which is helpful if you or your kids are feeling under the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hand Sanitizer Holder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the same vein, kids often get messy from participating in school activities, playing, or simply eating in your car. This is where a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hand-sanitizer-holder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"hand sanitizer holder\">hand sanitizer holder<\/a> comes in handy. Keeping one in your car means you don&rsquo;t have to sift through your bag to clean up your kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, it also makes your life easier if you need to clean up. The holder also prevents spillage and making a mess inside the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phone Holder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cell-phone-holder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"phone holder\">phone holder<\/a> works wonders when you&rsquo;re driving to or from school. If you need to check the map, call someone, or browse your emails while in traffic, the holder can keep your phone accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also get one for your kids to keep them entertained during the trip. Not only will it prevent stress and tantrums, but it&rsquo;ll also keep your gadgets safe from damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways to Get Your Car Ready For School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season.jpg\" alt=\"washing car for school season\" class=\"wp-image-116635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/washing-car-for-school-season-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before school starts, it&rsquo;s ideal to clean your vehicle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides investing in handy car accessories, don&rsquo;t neglect upkeep and replace faulty or inoperative parts immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, something as simple as simple as an underinflated tire or a dim headlight can make driving dangerous. The former can reduce traction, which can affect braking performance, while the latter can limit what you can see at night, increasing the risk of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For safe and hassle-free school trips with your daily driver, follow these essential upkeep tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wash Your Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the summer, your car may have accumulated dirt and dust from all the road trips and adventures you were out on. It might turn heads for the wrong reasons when it rolls up in front of the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, before school starts, it&rsquo;s ideal to clean your vehicle. Besides making it look appealing, washing also helps prevent damage, as dirt and debris can be acidic and corrosive. They can be rough in texture and wear down your car&rsquo;s clear coat or paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To properly wash your daily driver, use an appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/car-wash-soap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"car wash soap\">car wash soap<\/a>. These are formulated to clean the exterior without damaging the paint or coatings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Change the Windshield Wiper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, you can&rsquo;t help driving through the rain to get to school. However, a faulty windshield wiper can make the trip dangerous, especially during storms and downpours. You&rsquo;ll have to deal with limited visibility on top of slippery roads, a risky combination for you and your passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So replace the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/wiper-blade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"windshield wiper\">windshield wiper<\/a> if it&rsquo;s damaged or malfunctioning. Similarly, make sure to clean the windshield to remove any dust or bug guts that may have accumulated over the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Replace Dim Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2021, an estimated 162,298 children were injured in traffic crashes. To avoid adding to the statistic, it&rsquo;s always best to err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So don&rsquo;t put off replacing dim car lights, especially if school ends after dark. A dim <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/headlight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"headlight\">headlight<\/a> affects your perception of the road, while a busted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tail-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tail light\">tail light<\/a> limits your car&rsquo;s visibility for drivers behind you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention that driving with either of them while they&rsquo;re damaged or inoperative is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can replace both yourself to save some money. Mechanic shops will charge a minimum of $100 per hour when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-replace-halogen-headlight-assembly\/?srsltid=AfmBOor7u2eBeb2uhX8LpUx45Nf15IBzkiHiD1T0fV_e8T46T8VR-DDv#Should_You_Do_the_Job_Yourself\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"replacing the headlights\">replacing the headlights<\/a>, while you could be looking at an $800 bill for the tail lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refill the Coolant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For students, going to and from school can be tiring, especially for the first few weeks when they have to make adjustments. In the same vein, parents who drive their kids to school must take this into consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way you can keep everyone aboard comfortable is by providing a pleasant ride with a fully functioning aircon. That involves refilling the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/coolant-antifreeze\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"coolant\/antifreeze\">coolant\/antifreeze<\/a>. Low levels of coolant decrease your A\/C&rsquo;s cooling efficiency and cause your engine to overheat, which may lead to hot trips and costly repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inflate the Tires<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure your tires are properly inflated to prevent accidents on the road. Over-inflated tires could lead to blowouts if put under enough stress. Meanwhile under-inflated ones could lead to unresponsive steering because the rubber has more slack, making steering more sluggish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/putting-air-in-your-tires-are-you-doing-it-right\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"properly inflate your tire\">properly inflate your tire<\/a>, you&rsquo;ll need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tire-pressure-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"tire pressure gauge\">tire pressure gauge<\/a> and an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/air-pump\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"air pump\">air pump<\/a>. The gauge measures the tire&rsquo;s psi, while the air pump lets you inflate the tire to the appropriate air pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Change Your Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/motor-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Engine oil\">Engine oil<\/a> keeps everything lubricated to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly. Like most things keeping your car intact, the oil can also deteriorate as it gets dirt and breaks down.&nbsp;<br>Before it does, it&rsquo;s best to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-change-your-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"change the oil\">change the oil<\/a>. Otherwise, you might notice increased wear, overheating, clogged systems, and other issues. It&rsquo;s recommended to change oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You can also consult your owner&rsquo;s manual for the correct interval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Whether you&rsquo;re a student or a parent who drops off and picks up their kids from school, there&rsquo;s no denying&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":116637,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53,3768],"tags":[3262,3958,3975,4274,3964],"ppma_author":[2607,3269],"class_list":{"0":"post-116629","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-features","8":"category-lifestyle","9":"tag-cargo-organizer","10":"tag-cell-phone-holder-2","11":"tag-first-aid-kit","12":"tag-hand-sanitizer-holder","13":"tag-roadside-emergency-kit","14":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Back-to-School Essentials: Must-Have Accessories and Maintenance Tips - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out the ways you can get your car ready for school and must-have accessories to make it easier dropping and picking up your kids.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Back-to-School Essentials: Must-Have Accessories and Maintenance Tips - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find out the ways you can get your car ready for school and must-have accessories to make it easier dropping and picking up your kids.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-16T06:37:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-20T04:33:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/back-to-school-essentials-for-car-owners.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/back-to-school-essentials-must-have-accessories-and-maintenance-tips\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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