If you’re trying to protect teenagers from accidents, one of the key prevention strategies is having a car that’s in good repair. Cars need regular maintenance and it’s easy to fall behind. Not only can missing repairs be expensive in the long run, it can also increase the risk of car accidents. These key maintenance tips are a good way to ensure that any car is in good shape for driving.
Electrical System
Having a bad battery can leave you stranded and any problems in the electrical system can lead to stalling or other problems while driving. Make sure that your technician checks the battery terminals for any corrosion and cracks in the wiring system. This can be done every time you bring your car in for regular maintenance or on an as needed basis.
Functioning Wiper Blades
This is an important in a car but often teenagers don’t realize how important their wiper blades are until they aren’t working. Clear visibility is a must for safe driving but blades will wear out over time. Check the blades and look for any cracks or wear. You’ll also want to check the washer fluid to make sure that it’s filled. Wiper blades only last for a few years so be sure to check them regularly. Run the blades before driving to make sure that they’re in good working order.
Dry, Rotted Tires
Tires are your car’s first line of defense when it comes to safe driving. A tire may not appear to have any problems unless inspected carefully. Rain, ice, and other weather conditions make driving dangerous though so it’s important to check your tires at least every six months.
Check the tires for uneven wear, cracks, or other issues that may require rotation or replacement. Tires also commonly lose pressure when temperatures drop. Keep the pressure to the recommended standards and replace the tires as needed.
Change Oil And Fluids
The oil in your car needs to be changed on a regular basis so make sure that you’re keeping up with the standards in this area. In addition to the oil, the brake, power steering, and transmission fluids are essential for normal driving. Many new cars have clear containers in the engine that make it easy for you to see if you have enough fluids for normal driving.
Oil that’s dirty or too low can affect how your engine performs. It’s recommended that you check your oil once a month and follow the recommended change schedule which can be found on the car’s service manual. Some drivers carry extra oil with them. While not necessary in most cases, this may not be a bad idea if your teen is driving long distances.
Check The Brakes
Most people understand that this is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe car over time. Brakes are vital to the safety of both the driver and also other drivers on the road. Worn brake pads occur over time but are fairly easy to replace. Fluid leaks in the car can cause catastrophic brake failure so make sure to check brakes and brake fluid as part of your regular car inspection and maintenance schedule. Follow the recommendations for replacement, especially if you’re going to be driving in icy or wet weather conditions.
Working Lights
Lights often go out without the driver realizing that they’re not working. It’s a good idea to check your lights once a month and teenagers can do this with the help of a friend or parent. Headlights, turn signals, and tail lights are all important to avoid accidents, especially when driving at night. Do a walk-around of the car once a month to make sure that the lights are in working order and replace any lights as needed. Most teenagers can learn how to replace the basic car lights.
Final Thoughts
These are a few of the car maintenance tips that are essential to keeping teenagers safe on the road but this list is certainly not extensive. Scheduling regular maintenance for the vehicle is going to be a good way to ensure that no problems arise which may compromise safety while driving.
Your teenager should also have an idea of where to go in case of problems and how to react in an emergency. Be sure to follow this advice to avoid any problems while driving.
Author Bio
My name is Stella Grant . I am the founder of SpeedFinal. Automotive is my passion, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.
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