Having a car at home is one thing and having a curious teen is another. Nonetheless, in the current generation, a vehicle is more of a necessity than an addition to your assets. When parenting, you should not discourage your kids from driving because they will need these skills sooner than later, so they can become independent. The best thing you should think about is teaching your teenage daughter or son the best tips for maintaining a vehicle. This is the information you will gather from the six points explained in this article.

1. Handling a Tire Puncture

Tires are among the crucial parts of a motor vehicle. They are also the first parts you should check every day before heading out. Therefore, your teenager needs to know about appropriate car wheel care. Punctures can happen at any time from varying causes. The tire can deflate in an instant or have a slow puncture.

Having a spare wheel in your car is an excellent idea. However, it can be less useful if your teenager does not know how to replace the punctured tire with a spare. You should teach them about other tire-related matters as well. Your teen should understand why it is recommendable to conduct a tire rotation process every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

2. Changing the Oil

Most motorists have an easy time changing their vehicle’s oil. Nevertheless, do not assume your teenager can handle the task just because it sounds easy and manageable. You need to take them through the detailed steps of the oil-changing process. Besides the process, you should educate your kid on the best time for an oil change. It is recommendable to change the oil after 3,000 miles for short trips and 5,000 to 7,000 miles for long trips. Inform your teen about the best oil options on the market and the factors to consider when getting the oil that suits their needs.

3. Windshield Wiper Replacement

Wipers are critical in enhancing the driver’s visibility while behind the wheel. Any fault with these wipers can negatively affect your teen’s confidence due to poor visuals, especially in bad weather. Poor visibility is among the critical causes of accidents on today’s roads.

Therefore, ensuring your kid knows how to replace windshield wipers if and when they become faulty is vital. Help your daughter or son understand the wiper-replacing process and the best recommendations for purchasing new ones.

4. Cleaning the Vehicle

Proper car maintenance also involves keeping the machine clean. You can create a routine where you thoroughly clean the car with your teenage daughter or son twice a week until they understand how to go about it. The process may not be complicated as long as you have an adequate water supply.

However, your teen should know other things regarding cleaning a vehicle. One critical lesson to give them is the best vehicle cleaning supplies and how to acquire them from the market. Additionally, teach them about water-sensitive car parts, such as its stereo system and other mechanical parts.

5. The Air Filter Matters

Your engine system cannot be efficient if dust and dirt get into it. An air filter is responsible for keeping such contaminants out of your car’s engine system. Help your teen identify the air filter compartment in the car, then teach them how to clean it and replace it. The recommended distance for an air filter change is every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, but you can change it more often if you regularly drive on dusty roads.

6. When to Ask for Help

Your teen may know all the above tasks with time, but it is impossible to know everything or have all the necessary equipment. In such cases, calling in a mechanic is the best option. Your manufacturer has provided you with a service schedule booklet accompanying the vehicle’s handbook, giving you clear instructions on service intervals.

Ensure your teen can handle some essential car maintenance and repairs before hitting the road. As explained above, some of the critical activities they should be well-versed with include tire, oil, wiper, and air filter changes. There are more tasks, but your teen will learn them with time.