Your new teen driver is probably on cloud nine from getting a driver’s license. It’s important to teach your teen how to be responsible with this new privilege by going over basic car maintenance. It is recommended to review the following five areas of maintenance so you can have peace of mind knowing your teen is informed and prepared while on the road.
- Tires
It’s very likely that one of the first issues your teen could face will involve tires. Show your new driver how to change a flat tire. Include the number to a towing company (or to your insurance if they provide roadside assistance) in case your teen isn’t comfortable replacing the tire or more than one tire is damaged. Also, teach your teen how to check tire pressure and inflate tires. Lastly, get the tires rotated at Sun Auto Service about every 6,000 miles or every six months. - Automotive Fluids
Demonstrate how to check the engine oil and transmission fluid. If you know how to change them, teach your teen. Otherwise, give us a call to set up an appointment. Remember to have your teen fill up the windshield wiper fluid and coolant as well. - Windows & Mirrors
Clear, smooth windows improve driver safety. When your teen fills up on gas, encourage him or her to clean the windows and mirrors to eliminate glare. Have your teen check for cracks so they can be taken care of immediately to prevent expensive repairs later on. If your teen has problems with sun glare, buy glare shields or have the windows tinted. - Cleaning
Simple, regular cleaning helps keep the car in top shape and makes driving safer. Show how to manually wash the car or drive through an automatic car wash. Let your teen vacuum the interior, throw away trash, and properly store loose items to avoid injury in the event of an accident. - Mechanical Problems
Most importantly, make sure your teen driver knows when to take the car to a mechanic. Catching problems early on decreases the chances of accidents and pricey repairs. Teach your teen signs to watch out for, such as:- Rattling sounds
- The “check engine” light turning on
- Unpleasant or unusual odors
- A stiff steering wheel
- Slow or not very responsive brakes
If these or other troubles arise, tell your teen to make an appointment with your local Sun Auto Service. Our ASE-Certified technicians will diagnose and fix the issue immediately to get your teen safely back on the road in no time. Add our number and address to your teen’s phone contacts to make it even easier.
