Did you gift your child a new (or used) car this holiday? Will you soon have a new driver in your home? As parents, we make take for granted that the school’s driver’s education taught them what they need to know about their vehicle and its maintenance, but sadly, what was taught in decades past, isn’t anymore due to liability and time. Here are some things you should make sure your new driver knows regarding automotive maintenance.
When to Rotate Tires
We did an informal survey of the neighborhood teen drivers, and asked when they should get their tires rotated. Mostly we received blank stares and one response was, “When my dad says to?” Teach your kids the importance of tire rotation about every 7,000 miles. Depending on the vehicle that may mean every oil change or every other oil change. This easy and quick task will help ensure their safety on the road and the longevity of the tires themselves.
Tire Pressure
It’s easy to do once you know what your tires should be inflated to and how to do it. Teaching them how to read the tire or the sticker inside the driver’s door takes just seconds. Once they understand proper inflation, the tires last longer.
How to Change a Wiper Blade
Although you can take the easy way out by going to an automotive store where they’ll do it for you, but it’s not a bad (or hard skill) to master. Because we get such torrential downpours frequently, having good functioning wiper blades is an essential safety tool. Show them how to find the right size wiper blade and how to know it’s time to replace theirs.
The Importance of Checking Oil and Changing Oil & Filters
Because today’s cars make it easy with their lights reminding you it’s time for an oil chance or the oil change center puts the sticker on the windshield, most kids manage to get this done at the proper intervals. Teaching the child how to check the oil between changes is a key skill to teach. It takes just a few minutes but could save hundreds in repairs if it’s topped off when low rather than neglected.
Keep Up with Recommended Automotive Maintenance
Although your young driver is more likely to check out the online manual, show them the book that came with the car. Explain the importance of regular maintenance like tune-ups and how it will help the car last longer. Teach them that following the recommended maintenance schedule also keeps the car as energy efficient as it was designed to be. Then have them google things like “average cost of a new transmission” and “how much does a transmission flush cost” they’ll quickly learn that some of this preventative maintenance is a lot cheaper than the repair they may need if they neglect their vehicle.
We also think you should teach them that Oldsmar Automotive is their local trusted automotive maintenance center. Our services range from oil changes, tire rotation and other preventative maintenance to total automotive repair. Let them know they can come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar for any of their car services requirements. If they prefer to set an appointment, have them call us at (727) 784-3501.
Leave a Reply