Learning to drive can be an exciting time for a teenager, but there are more skills than those taught in driver’s education classes they’ll need to master before they’re ready for the road. Basic vehicle maintenance can help keep them safe while preparing them to be responsible car owners for the rest of their lives.

Here, the staff from Bob Shropshire Sons Driving School in Downtown Cincinnati, OH, share three of the most important maintenance tasks to teach your teen while they’re learning to drive:

• Checking Tire Pressure & Treads: Tire pressure can quickly change depending on weather conditions, the age of the tires, and the wear on the treads. Show your teen where to find the proper tire pressure rating in the user manual and teach them how to use a tire pressure gauge. Once they’re familiar with the tire pressure, show them how to monitor the treads. Low-tread tires are a safety hazard and should be replaced to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. The sooner your teen recognizes the signs of a worn-out tire, the safer they’ll be.
• Changing a Flat Tire: Everyone gets a flat tire at some point in their driving career, and the last thing any parent wants is for their child to be stranded on the side of the road. Teach them how to change a tire from the safety of your driveway and give them plenty of practice. The first time is always the hardest, but with regular practice, your teen will replace flats with ease.
• Checking Lights Regularly: In driving school, your teen will learn the importance and function of every vehicle light. However, the location of car lights differs in every make and model. Teach them how to operate and check the lights in the car they’ll be driving most often. Encourage them to keep your mechanic’s number in the glove compartment or saved on their cell phones so they can make an appointment as needed.

Help your teen be prepared when they’re learning to drive at Bob Shropshire Sons Driving School. Visit their website and like their page on Facebook for more useful tips to help your teen become a responsible driver. Call (513) 721-3915 to enroll your teen in driving lessons today.