Like any other motorist, teen drivers are exposed to the dangers of the road and parents should try their best to keep them informed about driving responsibly.
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There are teenagers who own their own vehicle and others who borrow their parents’ to get around in town.
Yet, teen drivers who are lucky enough to own a car are two and half times more likely to crash their cars than teenagers who use the “family” car.
As much as parents care for the safety of their teens, teaching them how to handle certain auto maintenance issues without going into a crisis makes life easier.
Teenagers tend to be curious and adventurous as part of their need to be, to some extent, independent. However, when it comes to maintenance habits, they are still lagging behind adult drivers.
For that reason, here are 6 auto maintenance tips for adolescents (and their parents).
Whether you are a parent or a teen driver, you’ll be able to create an easy maintenance checklist once you finish reading this article.
Be familiar with your vehicle’s maintenance requirements and times
If you are not familiar with the maintenance of your car, have a look the owner’s manual check for the maintenance guide for further instructions.
You can information about auto care, description of key components of your car, and when to schedule maintenance checks to keep your vehicle running.
From oil changes to tire pressures, you can refer to your manual to uncover everything you need to know about your vehicle.
Make sure your tires are in good conditions
Your tires must be properly inflated at all times and you should keep an eye on their wearing patterns.
Again, check your auto manual for more instructional information about your tires as they offer manufactured-recommended advices on how to maintain them.
You are also advised to check your tires for wear and tear whenever you make a stop at the gas station.
Pay attention to the dashboard warning lights
Sometimes you don’t need to use your intuition to spot any problems with your vehicle. Dashboard warning lights lets you know about anything that may go wrong with your car.
Most of the warning lights include oil, check engine, temperature, brake, tire sensors, and other features depending upon the technology that your car uses.
Some teen drivers do not understand the meaning of some key lights on the dashboard, which is another reason why you need to read your manual or speak to an auto expert for more information about them.
Never let your car run out of gas
Your car doesn’t carry an unlimited amount of fuel on its tank. As any other driver, you are responsible for ensuring your car doesn’t run out of fuel.
Even today’s cars are no longer manufactured to run all the way until the last drop because modern engines take part of the fuel to cool and lubricate their components.
A good advice is to keep the fuel above a quarter tank to keep your car performing smoothly. Who wans to be stranded on the road anyway?
Care for your windshield
A clean windshield is a vital part of your vehicle that lets you have an ample view of the road in front of you. Not only does your windshield needs to be clean, but also clear of anything that hinders your visibility.
Wiper blades that have cracks, defective, or leave smears should be replaced to avoid situations that may restrict your visibility.
At the same time, pay attention to the spray nozzles as they may need to be adjusted for proper aim. If the nozzles are clogged, use a needle to clean them.
Speeding excessively is the worst decision
Young drivers usually speed up to feel great about their driving abilities. Others simply speed excessively to avoid getting late to school or any other destination.
Speeding is not only dangerous but also reduces pressure on your engine and transmission. Not to mention that it also reduces the amount of fuel you use in the process.
As driving fast forces drivers to waste more fuel in the process, it also wears your engine owing to the increasing amount of pressure you are adding to it.
SEE ALSO: What Your Teen Should Know About Driving Responsibly
