At Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, we treat our customers like family. We want you and your entire family to be safe on the road. We know that regular car maintenance is part of vehicle safety, and we believe that teaching young drivers how to take care of their car is vital.
Whether you are a new or experienced driver or you’re teaching your teenager how to drive, here are 5 things everyone should know.
5 Tips to Teach Your Young Driver
It’s best to start with the basics! No need to get into technical details since that’s what our Service Center is here for.
Here are five basic vehicle maintenance tips your young driver should know:
- How to Check The Tires. While most modern vehicles will automatically notify you when the tire pressure is low, it’s important to teach your teen driver what the pressure should be and how to fill them when it is needed. This will ensure they get the best gas mileage and that their tires last as long as possible. In addition, teach them to check their tire’s tread for wear and tear. An easy way to check the wear is by putting a penny into the thread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to think about new tires. And, of course, they should know how to change a flat tire.
- How to Check Fluids. New drivers should know how to check a vehicle’s oil, coolant, and wiper fluid. Knowing how to check these fluids is simple and will help keep their car running smoothly. In the case of wiper fluid, they can even top it off themselves!
- How to Identify Worn Brakes. It’s no secret that brakes are a vital part of any vehicle. That’s why it’s important to teach your teen the signs of worn brakes. New sounds–like grinding or screeching–and a longer stop time are telltale signs that your brakes are worn. Let them know that if they notice either of these signs, it’s time to have their brakes inspected.
- How to Take Care of a Battery. A mechanic can tell you how much life your battery has left, but new drivers should understand how to conserve battery power. Things like leaving your lights on or sitting with just the engine turned on for an extended period will drain your battery life quickly. Teaching your teen how to jump-start a car and purchasing jumper cables to keep in their vehicle will empower them to take care of the problem if they ever encounter a dead battery.
- How to Spot Warning Signs. Every driver, especially a new one, should be able to identify warning signs that something may be wrong with their vehicle. Things like a shaking steering wheel, overheating, strange noises, and fluid leaks are signals that your vehicle needs immediate attention. It’s also a good idea to teach them the meaning of different warning lights on the dashboard so they can better understand when one pops up.
Schedule Your Next Expert Auto Repair in Manning, SC Today!
Having a teen driver can be nerve-racking, but when you trust your vehicles to Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, you’ll be in good hands! We treat your family like our own family, so you can trust that whether you need a simple oil change or a more complex repair, we’ll get it done correctly every time.
Make sure your teenager knows that they can trust the mechanics in our Service Center in Manning, SC. Schedule your appointment today and bring your teen along! Don’t forget to check out our new and pre-owned vehicle selection while you’re here!
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