As parents it is our responsibility to teach our teens everything they need to know about their vehicle before they venture off alone. It’s important that they know how to change a tire by themselves without calling for roadside assistance. They should know how to check their own fluids so they can identity problems quickly. And they need to know what to do if their vehicle is overheating. No, I’m not suggesting your child take an automotive tech course, but what I am suggesting is that they are prepared. Prepared for emergencies and prepared for their future as a car owner.
Roadside assistance isn’t a genie. They don’t arrive within seconds after pulling over. If the problem is something as simple as a tire change it can be much safer for teen to do it on their own and quickly be on their way. Help your teen by teaching them how to identify the problem by walking them through what happens when you have tire problems. Next, do a few practice tire changes at home or have your automotive technician go over the basics with you both.
Knowing how to check the fluids in the car can save you and your teen money in the future. Most major problems with your vehicle can be quickly identified with regular fluid maintenance. If your teen notices his/her vehicle is using more oil, fuel, or water than usual, they can notify you to contact your dealership for servicing before the problem gets costly.
What should your teen do if their car gets overheated? Does your teen know? My youngest brother-in-law didn’t know what to do when this happened to him as a teen and he drove twenty-five miles home with the gauge in the red! He blew the motor; costing his parents thousands in repairs! Teach your teen to pull over and turn off the car anytime the vehicle gets overheated. If waiting a few minutes for it to cool down doesn’t help, call roadside assistance and DON’T drive the car home!
Do you have vehicle maintenance tips for us and our teens?
Share them in the comments below.
