You have just given your teen driver’s education and they have received their license. But is he/she really ready to drive? Your new driver must be able to operate the vehicle safely. Safety can sometimes overshadow other considerations like the importance routine vehicle maintenance.
“Many people fail to realize that poorly maintained vehicles can be safety hazards, not just for teen drivers, but for others on the road as well,”John Nielsen, director, AAA Approved Auto Repair Network. “And driving with worn out vehicle components not only increases the chance of a crash, it reduces fuel economy.”
Make sure your teen driver is familiar with at least two maintenance procedures before you give the keys to them.
Tire pressure. For safe driving, teens should be aware that proper tire pressure is essential. Incorrectly inflated tires can cause poor handling, overheating and even blowout.
The correct tire-inflation settings for a vehicle are found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker attached to the driver’s door jamb. Teens should be taught to check the tire pressures after the vehicle has been parked for more than three hours. A quality gauge is better than one that’s built into the airhose.
Check the engine oil level. The single most important thing that you can do for your vehicle’s engine is to teach it how to properly maintain its oil level. An uninformed teenager may allow the oil level in their vehicle to drop to low. This can cause overheating and low pressure, which can lead to engine failure.
The oil level should be checked with the engine off and the vehicle on a level surface. If the engine was recently run, let it sit for a few minutes before checking the level. Locate the oil dipstick underneath the hood. Remove it, clean it and then re-insert. Take the dipstick out of the car and hold it at the level. If the oil level is between the high mark and low mark, it is safe to proceed. Add oil to bring it up to the safe level.
Teens need to be aware of the importance to take their vehicle to a trusted service facility. AAA Approved Auto Repair Shops meet strict guidelines regarding quality and customer satisfaction. AAA.com/Repair can help you locate one in your local area.
