Earning a driver’s license is a significant rite of passage for a teenager. As a parent, providing your child with a vehicle helps them establish independence and adds flexibility to your daily schedule. After having their car properly inspected by an experienced mechanic, teach your teenager the following auto maintenance protocols to promote safety and vehicle performance. 

What Auto Maintenance Tasks Should Teenagers Know?

1. Replace Wiper Blades

During inclement weather, wiper blades are essential for maximizing visibility. Make sure your teenager is prepared by showing them how to check and replace the blades.

This task should be completed every six months or whenever the windshield wipers start to wear down and hinder the view. Sometimes, they’ll bounce across the glass instead of gliding silently due to built-up dirt.

2. Check Lights

Lights that have burned out can be a safety hazard when driving at night. In addition, malfunctioning fixtures can lead to tickets and other run-ins with law enforcement.

Encourage your teenager to check their lights every month. They should turn on the vehicle, keep it parked, and inspect the exterior fixtures before hitting the road. 

3. Maintain Tire Pressure

Maintaining the right tire pressure is a must for proper traction, fuel economy, and safety. Properly inflated tires reduce the risk of flats and blowouts.

Remind your teenager to inspect the tires frequently to see if they appear flat or damaged. Also, instruct them to check inflation with a pressure gauge tool once a month. 

4. Schedule Oil Changes

Oil is a critical fluid in the vehicle as it absorbs heat and keeps the engine lubricated. When the substance gets dirty, harmful particles can creep into the engine, causing breakdowns and costly damage. To avoid these issues, remind your teenager to schedule professional oil changes with an auto mechanic every 3,000 miles or as recommended by the car manufacturer. 

If your teenager has a driver’s license and you’re ready to hand down your current vehicle, B&L Auto Diesel Tires & Alignment can provide a comprehensive inspection to confirm functionality. Based in the heart of Andrews, TX, this car repair shop specializes in on-going auto maintenance for drivers throughout Andrews County. To schedule a tune-up, call today at (432) 523-3480. For more information on their training, expertise, and friendly customer service, visit them online.