For teenagers, getting a license and learning how to drive is a right of passage. While they are beyond excited to get behind the wheel and gain a bit of independence, most parents are terrified to let them drive on their own.
Driving is a huge step for both teens and their parents, as teens get a taste of freedom and parents get a taste of having to accept that they are growing up quickly. No matter how much a parent might hope time will stand still and their children will stay little forever, growing up is inevitable.
Despite how much you try, you will not be able to keep them safe every moment of the day. One of the best ways to help them stay safe is to talk to your teen and teach them how to be responsible, especially when it comes to driving and car maintenance.
Here are a few things to make sure your teenagers know about auto safety:
Driving Safely
First and foremost, in order for teens to be safe while driving in a car, they need to learn how to drive safely. While they may know the basics of driving and were able to pass their license test, it can be extremely easy for them to get distracted when driving. Being behind the wheel is a huge responsibility—not only for their own safety, but for the safety of all those on the road around them.
Make sure they know why it is important to stay alert while driving. Many accidents happen because drivers were distracted and did not notice the brake lights in front of them or changed lanes without checking over their shoulder. When behind the wheel of the car, safety should always be the first priority.
Know What To Do In An Emergency
When it comes to emergency situations, it’s important to make sure your teenager knows exactly what to do. For example, if they get getting from one place to another, having a fully charged battery on their phone is crucial. Other traditional ways of finding the route back like map reading are also handy.
For those that are unfortunate enough to get themselves in an accident, then a car accident lawyer should be contacted. This is important to note to your teenagers so that they can get all the information they need from the scene in order to get the help provided.
Windshield Cracks
One of the most common accidents to befall a car is a windshield crack. When driving on the freeway, rocks or other heavy debris can fly out of truck beds or off the wheels of cars, landing on your windshield and causing the glass to crack.
Depending upon the location and size of the crack, sometimes the glass needs to be repaired in order for your teen to continue driving safely. Repair centers like Pinnacle Auto Glass of Phoenix can quickly repair a cracked or broken windshield, helping them get back on the road quickly and safely.
Flat Tire
Learning how to change a flat is an important life skill, as it can help keep your teen safe if they should ever get a flat. Changing a tire is not all that difficult once you learn how to do it; however, different cars can have slightly different jacks or tools, thus it is a wise idea to teach your child how to put on a spare tire on their own car. They should know exactly where the tools are located in their car and how they should be properly used, as using them in the wrong manner can lead to a dangerous accident, such as the car falling off the jack or the tire not being put on tightly or correctly, which can make driving dangerous.
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Oil Changes
Car oil is essential a car performing at its best. Dirty oil or low oil can lead to a car not running properly, which can eventually lead to it stalling, not starting, or further internal damage. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles or so, or at least should be checked around that number. While modern cars often alert drivers of a need for an oil change, teens should still keep a record of their mileage in order to make sure their car is running at optimal performance.
Car Battery
One aspect of car maintenance many people forget about is the car battery. Most do not even think about checking the battery until the battery is dead. When going in for an oil change, have your teen ask the repair center to check the battery strength as well, as they can see how much life the battery has left.
There are some signs to keep in mind that can warn your teen that the car battery might be dying. If the car does not start right away, or the engine does not sound like it’s turning properly when starting, the battery might be on its way out.
Teaching your teens the basics of car maintenance can help them stay as safe as possible out on the road.
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