HORSHAM, Pa. — School's back in session and the start of a new school year offers parents the perfect opportunity to teach teens and young drivers a lesson or two in car care.
“There is nothing more important than keeping your child safe on the road,” said Randy Wright, president for Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care.
“We see this sentiment ringing true every day in our centers. Whether we are discussing transmission maintenance or just general auto care, many of our customers are passing on our advice along to their children.”
Cottman offers these five quick tips to help parents get a jump start on teaching car maintenance skills to their children.
1. Inspect the tires.
Young divers should know how to check their tires' air pressure and understand how changes in temperature could affect the air pressure of their tires. According to Cottman, young driver should be comfortable inflating tires and should know how to inspect the tread for signs that a tire may need to be replaced.
2. Don't ignore the dashboard warning lights.
As technology improves, so does a vehicle's ability to alert drivers of much needed maintenance. Young drivers should know what each of the dashboard warning lights mean, and should be prepared to immediately address any concerns those lights may indicate, Cottman notes.
3. Beware of windshield dings.
Even the smallest of chips or cracks in a windshield could be problematic if left unfixed. Those small cracks could spiderweb, Cottman noted, making it difficult for drivers to see properly. Additionally, any damage done to the windshield could impair its ability to protect the vehicle's occupants in crash.
4. Stay on schedule.
Car maintenance schedules help to ensure that the vehicle is running to the best of its ability at all times. Cottman recommends that young drivers familiarize themselves with their vehicle's maintenance schedule, paying particular attention to upkeep of brakes and filters.
5. Keep an eye on the tank.
Cottman encourages young drivers to keep an eye on the fuel tank, filling up each time the needle dips below a quarter of a tank. This is particularly important during cold winter months and on long drives to and from school.
Cottman offers drivers of all ages the opportunity to learn more about consumer car care with its Man's Educational Video Series. The online series offers proactive car tips which could be valuable to less experienced drivers, according to Cottman.