OU Students: Get Your Car Ready Before Driving Home for Summer

Finals are wrapping up, the semester is almost over, and many of you at OU are getting ready to load up the car and head home for the summer. Before you hit the road — whether you're driving back to Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma City, or farther — make sure your vehicle is actually ready for the trip.

At PROFIX Auto Repair, with two convenient locations in Norman, we see many student cars every spring. A surprising number have small issues that can turn into big, expensive, or even dangerous problems on a long drive home.

Here’s a practical checklist to help you get your car summer-road-trip ready.

1. Battery Health (Especially If Your Car Has Been Sitting)

• Have your battery tested — it’s quick and free at most shops.
• Look for corrosion on the terminals.
• If your battery is 3–4 years old or older, consider replacing it before a long drive.

2. Tires and Brakes

• Check tire pressure (including the spare) — heat causes pressure to rise, so check when the tires are cold.
• Inspect tread depth. Worn tires are dangerous in rain or at highway speeds.
• Listen for squeaking or grinding when braking. If anything feels off, get the brakes inspected now.

3. Fluids and Cooling System

• Check engine oil level and condition.
• Make sure coolant is topped off and not low or dirty.
• Check brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
• A quick fluid top-off or flush can prevent overheating on the highway.

4. Air Conditioning – Don’t Wait Until It’s 100°+

• Oklahoma summers hit hard and fast. If your AC is weak, blowing warm air, or making strange noises, get it checked before you leave.
• A properly working AC isn’t just about comfort — it helps keep you alert on long drives.

5. Lights, Wipers, and Emergency Items

• Test all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals).
• Replace worn wiper blades — spring rain and bugs can make visibility bad.
• Pack a basic emergency kit: jumper cables, flashlight, water, snacks, phone charger, and a spare tire tool.

The Easiest & Smartest Option: Get a Quick Pre-Trip Inspection

Instead of trying to check everything yourself, bring your car to PROFIX Auto Repair for a thorough pre-trip inspection. We’ll go over all the major systems and tell you honestly what needs attention before you head home.

It’s the same careful approach we use for pre-purchase inspections — just focused on getting you safely down the road.

Leon’s PROFIX Auto Repair — Book Online at Our N. Porter Location Now!
521 N Porter Ave
(405) 364-2799

PROFIX Auto Repair — Book Online at our Rambling Oaks Location Now!
1121 Rambling Oaks Dr
(405) 310-2279

We’re super convenient — our N. Porter location is right off OU campus — and we work on all makes and models, including the older cars many students drive.

Final Tip for OU Students:

Don’t wait until the last day before you leave. Come in early next week so you’re not stressed or stuck with a breakdown on I-35 or the turnpike.

Safe travels this summer! Whether you’re heading home for a break or starting a summer job/internship, we want you to get there without issues.

Have questions about your specific car? Drop by or give us a call — we’re happy to help OU students get back on the road safely.

PROFIX Auto Repair

Right here in Norman, OK — serving OU students and the whole community.