As parents, we want to give our children the best in life. We want to teach them how to perform the tasks they’ll need to do when they are adults. Most adults will have a car at some point, so they’ll need to know basic car maintenance. While you might not think your children are ready to start learning such an important job, there is plenty of easy car maintenance to teach your child. Even children as young as eight or nine are old enough to learn how to do easy maintenance tasks.
Checking Tire Pressure
Checking tire pressure is an important part of maintaining a car. When driving without the right pressure, you may damage the tires or even get into an accident. By teaching your child to remove the plastic valve cover on the rim wheel and then attach the air pressure valve, they can learn when to add more air or when to release it.
Cleaning and Polishing
Cleaning a car may be mostly cosmetic, but teaching your child to do so can be a great way to give them some pride. They will likely wash their own cars when they are adults at least some of the time. Of course, any time you are using chemicals, stay with your child to make sure they are safe.
Light Bulb Changing
Light bulbs will eventually die and require replacement. This is a great technical repair that children can learn. While the method will vary somewhat from vehicle to vehicle, this helps them learn the basics so they feel confident enough to take on the task when they grow up. Have them help you shop for the correct bulb, then guide them through popping off the light covers, replacing the bulbs, and then reattaching the cover.
Changing Windshield Wiper Blades
If you’re looking for easy car maintenance to teach your child, changing the windshield wiper blades is pretty high on that list. You can replace these easily as needed.
Air Filters
While air filters might seem like they’d be difficult to replace, they are pretty simple in most cars. All you need to do is help your child identify the air filter box, pop it open, remove the old filter, and put the new one in. Close the box, and you’re done in less than a minute. This little task can make a big difference in a car’s performance and can be pretty pricey at a mechanic, despite the simplicity.
