So, your teen just got their license and is eager to get on the road. But the worries are endless once they’re out of your sight and on their own. These important car maintenance tips for young drivers to know set them up for success should anything go wrong with their vehicle.
Learn Emergency Kit Essentials
You typically want to stay on top of ensuring your car is reliable enough for every drive. But accidents happen and can often be unpredictable. All it takes is one random nail to leave someone stranded on the side of the road. Teaching your kid how to change a tire with a jack and lug wrench prepares them for such unexpected circumstances and instills independence by letting them take care of themselves.
Emergency kits ease this process with additional tools like jumper cables, flashlights, gloves, and other valuable items needed for general car repairs. Adding in non-perishable food, blankets, and water is also a bonus, depending on where you live or travel.
Know the Dashboard
Hopefully, your new driver knows that the lights popping up on the dash don’t indicate a new achievement in their driving journey. Some important warning lights to keep in mind are:
- Check Engine
- Brake Warning
- Tire Pressure
- Air Bag
- Battery Low
These are but a few of several warning signs to look out for on your car’s dash, and understanding what all of them mean prevents issues from getting worse in the future. If they have a suitable garage available to them, they may be able to fix certain parts on their own someday. These lights also help in pinpointing where specific problems lie in a car. For example, symptoms of a bad U-joint could link to a transmission light going off. Either way, being familiar with the problems and solutions only benefits them in the future.
Pedal Slightly To the Metal
Driving fast for the sake of it is already an unsafe habit that hopefully does not develop when on the road. Despite its dangers to the driver, the car also suffers if it is not in top condition. Accelerating too quickly in a vehicle forces the engine to run more rotations per minute. This results in wearing out the engine much faster and uses more fuel in the process than a gradual acceleration. Keeping this in mind prolongs the vehicle’s lifespan and ensures that it operates within its intended means.
It is scary letting your kid on the road for the first time. But watching them grow up and letting them go is just another part of the process. These important car maintenance tips for young drivers to know keep them safe while enjoying their newfound freedom, without putting too much stress on their shoulders from here on.
