As school started a few months ago, five crucial driving rules for the safety of your teenage driver were discussed. There is another important step to make sure your teen is safe behind the wheel. Because an inexperienced teen driver may not recognize signs of car maintenance issues, it is vital that all recommended vehicle maintenance be performed at the appropriate intervals.
Basic vehicle maintenance includes the following items:
- Keep spark plugs and wires clean. Dirty and corroded spark plugs decrease vehicle performance and fuel mileage.
- Tighten all caps (fuel tank, radiator, brake and transmission fluids). To keep water and debris out of the fuel, or other fluids, make sure all caps are tight and seals are in good condition.
- Clean cloudy and dirty headlights. You want to see and be seen on dark cloudy days.
- Check the Tires. Properly inflated tires wear more evenly and increase gas mileage. Check the inflation pressure frequently as changes in temperature can make it fluctuate. Rotate tires on a regular basis to prevent premature tread wear.
- Clean the Car. Teach your teen driver to keep the car clean (both exterior and interior), wash floor mats, windows, interior lights, and dashboard. They will learn to appreciate it as they get older.
- Change the air filter. Have it checked and changed as necessary to keep the circulating air clean.
- Check fluid levels. Have the level of all critical fluids checked frequently and top-off as needed.
- Replace wiper blades. Replace wiper blades about every six months. Make sure the washer fluid reservoir is filled and clean.
- Regular oil changes. This is key for a longer-lasting car.
A parent or guardian is the number one influence in molding a teen driver into a safe and capable driver. Act as a role model for safe driving practices, and teach your young driver about good car maintenance.
Need affordable and quality vehicle maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about our car maintenance and other services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
As school started a few months ago, five crucial driving rules for the safety of your teenage driver were discussed. There is another important step to make sure your teen is safe behind the wheel. Because an inexperienced teen driver may not recognize signs of car maintenance issues, it is vital that all recommended vehicle maintenance be performed at the appropriate intervals.
Basic vehicle maintenance includes the following items:
- Keep spark plugs and wires clean. Dirty and corroded spark plugs decrease vehicle performance and fuel mileage.
- Tighten all caps (fuel tank, radiator, brake and transmission fluids). To keep water and debris out of the fuel, or other fluids, make sure all caps are tight and seals are in good condition.
- Clean cloudy and dirty headlights. You want to see and be seen on dark cloudy days.
- Check the Tires. Properly inflated tires wear more evenly and increase gas mileage. Check the inflation pressure frequently as changes in temperature can make it fluctuate. Rotate tires on a regular basis to prevent premature tread wear.
- Clean the Car. Teach your teen driver to keep the car clean (both exterior and interior), wash floor mats, windows, interior lights, and dashboard. They will learn to appreciate it as they get older.
- Change the air filter. Have it checked and changed as necessary to keep the circulating air clean.
- Check fluid levels. Have the level of all critical fluids checked frequently and top-off as needed.
- Replace wiper blades. Replace wiper blades about every six months. Make sure the washer fluid reservoir is filled and clean.
- Regular oil changes. This is key for a longer-lasting car.
A parent or guardian is the number one influence in molding a teen driver into a safe and capable driver. Act as a role model for safe driving practices, and teach your young driver about good car maintenance.
Need affordable and quality vehicle maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about our car maintenance and other services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Troy Minske
Troy Minske 