Raising kids is tough. Just when you think you know what you’re doing, everything changes. One of those big changes happens when your teenager is old enough to drive. Suddenly, you have been moved to the back seat! That happened fast, didn’t it?!

There is more to teaching young adults how to drive than where the brake is. They also need to know how to take care of their vehicle … the importance of preventative maintenance and how to keep their car in tip top shape.  Let’s look at some of the things you can teach your teenager about car maintenance that will ensure their car doesn’t leave them stranded. These tips will also help them out later in life, too!

5 Essential Things You Can Teach Your Teenager About Car Maintenance

1. Tires- Do they know the proper tire pressure recommended for their tires? Or how to check for wear and tear? Keeping the tires at the recommended pressure helps get better gas mileage and makes their tires last longer. They can check for wear and tear by inserting a penny in the thread groove.  It’s time to start thinking about new tires if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head. And, what happens when they have a flat tire? It is important that they know where the jack and spare tire are, as well as how to change the tire.
2. Fluids- Keeping an eye on fluids includes regular oil changes. Clean oil helps the engine run smoothly. Most trusted auto repair shops will check all the vehicle fluids and top them off when changing the oil.
3. Brakes- The brakes are the most important safety feature of a vehicle. Your teen needs to know the signs of wear and tear on brakes and when they need to be replaced. Warning signs of worn brakes are screeching and grinding noises. Brakes should be inspected regularly, especially when they start to make noises.
4. Battery- An auto shop can tell you how much life your battery has in it. But, things happen that can drain a battery, like leaving the interior lights on. It’s not a bad idea to teach your responsible teenager how to jump start a car.
5. Warning Signs– When your teen starts driving on their own, it’s good for them to know the warning signs that something is wrong with their vehicle. If the steering wheel starts to shake, their vehicle starts overheating or making strange noises, or fluids leak from the car, these are all warning signs that should not be ignored.

Teach Your Teen the Value of Expert Auto Repairs

Learning how to take care of a vehicle is a part of the responsibility of driving. When you teach your teenager about car maintenance, they will be better prepared to drive on their own and have a plan for what to do when car trouble arises.

Make sure your teenager knows the auto repair shop that you trust. If you need an honest car repair shop, any NARPRO shop can help you! NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Plus, we often offer specials including our Moms, Dad & Grads $25 gift card! 

Check out our recommended auto repair shops. It is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley!