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Published: October 1, 2006
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EmailThey know they need them. They know they rely on them. But, does your teen driver know how to maintain an automobile? Can your teen change a flat tire or prevent an emergency that could leave him stranded on the side of the road? Does he share in the responsibility of maintaining the automobile that he happily puts miles on?
In addition to knowing and adhering to all of the rules of the road, teens need to realize that operating a vehicle requires a tremendous amount of work and commitment. Before giving your teen the keys to your car, it is important for him to understand the full responsibility of driving and maintaining a vehicle. Knowing how to implement a fair and realistic maintenance schedule for your teen to participate in and what automobile tips experts recommend young drivers know will add an additional layer of protection and peace of mind when your teen is behind the wheel.
Instill a sense of pride
“Cars are great teaching tools.Doing some simple maintenance tasks can give new drivers pride of ownership that can carry over to other aspects of their adult lives,” says Dan Ramsey, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Car Care & Repair Illustrated. Requiring your child to read the owner’s manual prior to jumping behind the wheel for the first time will also give him a better understanding of how the vehicle will handle in various roadside situations and how the car’s systems operate.
Look before you drive
“Teens should create the habit of walking around the perimeter of the car before driving,” says John Brekke, ASE Master Tech, in Englewood, Colorado. Inspecting the windshield wipers, headlights, tail lights and interior before putting the keys in the ignition can prevent a potential roadside hazard and help your teen become familiarized with the vehicle.
Gassing up
It is important for teens to understand that a car’s engine is similar to their own bodies. They both need the right fuel to stay healthy and perform at their best. Putting in the proper octane fuel can help a car perform efficiently. It can also be kind to everyone’s budget and keep fuel costs down.
Weekly fluid levels
“Teens should get in the habit of checking ‘the big three’, oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels routinely,” says Automobile Service Center Manager, Robert Grzelka of Baldwinsville, New York. Establish one day a week as the designated time for your teen to check the fluids in order for him to become familiar with average usage and re-filling needs. Teach your teen how to identify when it is time for an oil change and how to change the own oil in order to instill pride in his vehicle and keep maintenance costs down..
Replenish systems
In addition to highly used fluids, a car has other pertinent fluids that need routine monitoring and replenishing. “Give the power steering and brake systems a drink every month,” says Ramsey. This only takes a few minutes and can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.
Spinning wheels
Checking tires for any visible cuts or items lodged in the groove and measure the air pressure. Noticing a visibly low tire can indicate a possible flat tire and prevent your teen from being stranded on the side of the road. “In case of an unexpected flat tire, it is important for teens to know where the spare tire and wheel key is kept and how to change a tire,” Brekke adds.
Watts up?
Most newer vehicles are equipped with a warning system in the event that a light burns out. When the turn signal indicator blinks faster than normal, it often signifies that a light is out,” says Grzelka. Teaching your child how to diagnose simple maintenance issues as well as how to change fuses and light bulbs keeps the vehicle running safely and prevents your teen from being stopped for a safety violation.
A clean machine
Create the habit of regular interior and exterior cleaning from the start. “We set the expectation for our daughter to share in cleaning and vacuuming the car when she started driving,” says father of four John Turner of Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Heating up
Reading the dashboard gauges tells teen drivers how the car is operating. Teens need to know how to safely react if the temperature indicator suddenly spikes or reaches into the ‘red zone’ or the oil pressure drastically drops.
Listen to what the car is saying
Squeaks, squeals, whistles, hums and clanks are all signs that there may be a problem with the vehicle. Teach your child to detect the difference between what a vehicle operating properly should sound like and what noises might indicate a problem. From understanding that a squeaky squeal or grinding sound can indicate the need to have the brakes inspected to understanding that cars should not make a loud whining noise when driving down the road can save a great deal of money in repairs and prevent a roadside emergency.
