07/29/2019
7 CAR REPAIR BASICS TO TEACH YOUR COLLEGE-BOUND KID:
Classes scheduled. Books purchased. Dorm room essentials ready. There are a thousand things to think of when sending our kids off to college for the first time. But what about your child's transportation?
If they're taking a car with them, have you made sure it's road ready and that they're able to handle basic vehicle maintenance as independent young adults? Here are 7 things to teach your kids before they drive off to make sure they're safe, even when you can't be there:
1. CHECKING & REFILLING BASIC FLUIDS:
Everyone should know how to check the basic fluids in their car. Low fluids can lead to engine damage, and cost thousands down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Show your kids how to check and add to their car's motor oil and windshield wiper fluid. And before they drive away, let an experienced mechanic check their air conditioning coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and power steering fluid. You'll know their car is ready for a last minute weekend beach trip and the drive home on Thanksgiving!
2. CHECKING TIRE SAFETY:
Check all 5, don't forget the spare! Tire safety is huge in keeping your kids safe on the road. Teach college-bound kids the recommended air pressure for their tires, and how to check and refill the air. Also teach them to look for bulges in their tires, uneven wear, and to gauge the tread depth using the penny test. Remember, if Lincoln's whole head is visible, those tires need replaced! Old, worn tires are unsafe, and pose a higher risk of hydroplaning. Consider putting a set of run-flat tires on their car if possible, which will let them to travel up to 50 mph for 50 miles on a flat, giving them plenty of time to find a safe spot to pull over, even if they're on the highway.
3. HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE:
Nothing makes a person more independent than not having to rely on a tow truck if they don't have to. Teach your kids the steps to changing a flat tire, and have them practice it with you before they leave. Remind them that if they think they have a flat, that they shouldn't abruptly brake or turn, but slowly reduce their speed while scanning for a safe, flat spot on the road with a wide shoulder. It's always better to ruin your rim than risk being hit by oncoming traffic while attempting a tire change on the side of the highway. Also remind them that they need to turn on their hazard lights, apply the emergency brake, and push in wheel wedges before starting their tire change. Let them get comfortable with the lug wrench and jack, so that they can feel confident in their first attempt at changing a tire when you're not there. Afterwards, make sure they come in to an experienced mechanic to get that tire replaced!
4. LISTENING TO THEIR VEHICLE:
There's hardly anything better than being young, free, and cruising on a beautiful day with your music blaring. But remind your kids that it's also important to learn to listen to their car, and pay attention to what it might be trying to tell them. Make sure they know to heed their dash, and any new warning lights that pop up, as well as to listen for squeaking in the wheels, odd ticking or popping they never heard before, or if the engine sounds differently than it normally does. The biggest step is taking the time to listen when they're car is running fine, so that they'll be in tune when something sounds, or feels, "off". A shaking in the steering wheel or the brake pedal is also a sign that something may be wrong. Kids that know how to pay attention to their car can quickly get it in for a check up, to make sure they continue driving safely and don't let issues spiral or worsen.
5. JUMPING A DEAD BATTERY:
Make sure your child has a pair of jumper cables in their trunk, and knows how to use them. Help them locate their battery, and the positive and negative terminals, and teach them how to properly connect the cables. A car that won't start due to a dead battery when you're already late for a test, or work, is the making of a bad day. But with a little know-how, and a Good Samaritan or friend close by, your kids can get their car running and back on the road easily. Don't forget to test the battery before they go off for school. A near dead battery is easily replaced, and as the average new battery lasts 4 years, it should get them through to graduation without a problem!
6. PREPARING WITH PROPER SUPPLIES:
Check your child's trunk to make sure they have these basic automotive repair supplies:
Jumper Cables
Flashlight
Lug Wrench and Jack
Hazard Triangle/Flares
Poncho
Kitty Litter
First Aid Kit
Durable Multi-Tool
Air Pressure Guage
Duct Tape and Zip Ties
7. A GOOD MECHANIC'S NUMBER:
If your child is moving far from home, use recommendations to find a reputable mechanic close to school that they can call when the need arises. You'll feel better knowing that your child already has a mechanic they can call on, even when they're away. If they're in the Triangle, is the only number they need! We'll provide quality, affordable repairs that they, and you, can rely on.
These basic automotive skills will serve your child well during their new adventure into adulthood, which is sure to include a lot of driving! Knowing how to take care of their vehicle fosters independence, and lets us parents rest easier knowing our kids are able to handle the most common, basic issues with their transportation.
Before you send them off to school, come on in to in Cary and let us check out their vehicle to make sure it's ready for the next step of their journey! We can show them some basics, check batteries, tires, fluid levels, and more, and if any repairs are needed beyond their new skills, they'll immediately know who to call: "The Best Damn Garage in Town!"
