6 car maintenance basics every teen driver should know

When your teen gets their first car, it's an exciting milestone, but with that privilege comes the responsibility of keeping the car in good working condition.

Regular car maintenance is key to keeping your teen safe on the road. This simple guide will help you cover these six most essential car maintenance tasks that every teen should know, along with tips on how you can cover them together.

• using your car manual
• dashboard maintenance lights
• checking your brakes
• windshield wipers
• under the hood
• taking care of your tires

your car manual

Every car should come with an owner's manual. This is a valuable resource for understand all the vehicle's settings and maintenance needs. Teach your teen to:

• Locate the car manual: Show them where the car manual is stored. If your car didn't didn't come with a copy, search for it online and download so you can easily reference.
• Use it for troubleshooting: Explain to them how to use the manual for maintenance tips and to troubleshoot car issues.
• Refer to it regularly: Encourage them to check the manual whenever they need guidance. 

decoding dashboard lights

Your teen should know that the lights on the dashboard aren't just there for decoration–they're trying to tell them something important. For example, the low fuel light is a simple reminder to fill up, but the check engine? That's a signal that something needs attention, and it shouldn't be ignored.

Help your teen get familiar with what each light means so they can stay on top of any car issues. Your manual is a great reference to help decode those flashing lights.

listen to your brakes

Brakes are one of the most important safety features in any car, so it's crucial for your teen to recognize when something isn't right. 

Teach them to listen for unusual sounds while braking:

• Squeaking or squealing: This usually means the brake pads are wearing down and need to be replace soon.
• Grinding: This is a serious warning sign that the brake pads may be completely worn out. If they hear this, they should stop driving and get the car checked immediately.

what to do with windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are an important safety feature, especially when it's raining or snowing. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks on the windshield, impairing visibility. hare with your teen to:

• Inspect wipers regularly: Check the condition of the wipers every few weeks. 
• Replace if needed: If the rubber is peeling or the wipers leave streaks, replace them immediately to make sure you will have clear visibility the next time it rains or snows. 

check under the hood

Being familiar with what's under the car's hood can help your teen feel more confident. Here's what they should know.

• Pop the hood: Show your teen how to safely open the hood and locate the latch.
• Check oil and fluids: Teach them how to check oil levels, coolant and windshield washer fluid. Also discuss how often to change the oil needs changed.
• Look for wear: Encourage them to check belts for wear and tear or cracks.

taking care of your tires

Tire maintenance is another important basic of car maintenance that your teen should be familiar with. Explain that properly inflated tires are essential for safety and can help improve gas mileage. Here's what they need to know:

• Check tire pressure: Show them where to find the recommended PSI. This is usually on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual. 
• Use a tire gauge: Teach them how to check the tire pressure using a gauge.
• Fill tires: Show them how to fill the tires using an air pump at a gas station if the pressure is low.

Maintaining a car may seem overwhelming at first, but by teaching your teen the basics, you're empowering them to take responsibility for their vehicle and their safety on the road. Regular maintenance not only keeps the car in good working condition, but it can also save money in the long run by preventing costly repairs. 

As you go through these tasks together, you'll help your teen feel more confident in their driving abilities and prepared for any issues that may come up on the road.

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