4 Things To Teach Your Teen About Car Maintenance
Make safety the number one priority when your teen gets behind the wheel for their first solo drive. Before letting them hit the open road, your child should know as much as possible about car maintenance.
Here are four things to teach your teen driver about car maintenance for some added peace of mind.
Monitor the Gauges
Dashboard gauges are important safety indicators for your teen. It is imperative for them to always check their gas gauge, especially in extreme temperatures. A low or empty gas tank is dangerous in such conditions and can leave your teen stranded. They should also monitor the temperature gauge. It can indicate if the vehicle is at risk of over-heating. Ignoring this can cause significant damage to the engine.
Young drivers should also be familiar with the check engine light. Many teens are unfamiliar with this light and what it means. Identify the symbol with your teen and teach them the importance of pulling over when it lights up.
Being familiar with these signs will help new drivers feel more confident behind the wheel. Plus, you’ll feel more at ease if they can identify any vehicle malfunctions.
Pay Attention To Tire Tread
The more miles your teen puts on their car, the more worn the tires become. Show your child what a balding tire looks like to help prevent a blowout from happening on the road. Make sure there’s a spare tire or donut, and to be extra cautious, teach them how to change a flat tire, too. After all, nothing can raise a mom’s anxiety like knowing your teen’s tire blew out on the side of the road.
What Do Bad Brakes Feel Like?
Few things are scarier than driving with bad brakes or worrying that your teen may be driving under such conditions. Safe driving means knowing how to identify potential problems in your vehicle; therefore, teens must understand what worn-out brakes feel and sound like. Screeching sounds and vibrations when pressing the brakes are two significant indicators of this common car problem. You don’t want your teen relying on their emergency brake to stop the car, so make sure they heed these warning signs.
What’s Under the Hood?
Imagine getting a call from your teen that their car won’t start. They may not know what’s wrong with the car, but it’s essential to give your teen a general overview of what’s under the hood. They should know the basics about the battery, where fluids are, and what levels must be maintained.
Knowing the basics will help your teen stay safer and feel more in control in a roadside emergency. More than likely, you’ll need an expert to make the repairs. Still, it will enable them to speak intelligently with any technician or mechanic about their car’s needs.
