Know the Maintenance Schedule
Performing the manufacturer's regularly scheduled maintenance on a vehicle will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and ward off costly repairs down the road. While it's a good idea to make sure their teens car is current with all maintenance items prior to sending them off to college, it's possible some items will come up while they are away.
- Make sure the owner's manual is in the glove box of the vehicle.
- Explain the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual. Many teens may only be aware of oil changes as regular maintenance, so be sure they see other fluids and items must be regularly checked and maintained.
- Make the teen aware of what their current mileage is and at what mileage mark it's time to perform maintenance again.
Find a Repair Facility Near College
Depending on how frequently teens return home or how far away their college is located, they might be able to have regular maintenance performed at their families' usual auto repair shop while at home visiting. However, even if this is the case, it's important for parents to help teens identify an auto repair shop they can trust near their school in case an unexpected repair is needed.
- If possible, parents should accompany their teen to the shop while they are in town. Allow the teens to be introduced shop owner and/or management so they will be more comfortable with them should they need return there with a repair emergency.
Prepare for Roadside Emergencies
It's important for parents to prepare their teens for a breakdown or other roadside emergency--especially if they are attending college too far away to 'call home' for help.
- Make sure the teen's vehicle has a well-stocked roadside emergency kit, and it's updated based upon the season. A few key items the kit should include are a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire pressure gauge, a blanket, granola or energy bars, a flathead and Phillips head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and pliers. During the winter months in areas with inclement weather, add in an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in snow.
- In addition to making sure the spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated, be sure the vehicle has a working jack and tire iron. Also, if the vehicle uses locking lug nuts, explain how they work to the teen in advance and where the key is located.
photo:Jupiter Images
Performing the manufacturer's regularly scheduled maintenance on a vehicle will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and ward off costly repairs down the road. While it's a good idea to make sure their teens car is current with all maintenance items prior to sending them off to college, it's possible some items will come up while they are away.
 |
- Make sure the owner's manual is in the glove box of the vehicle.
- Explain the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual. Many teens may only be aware of oil changes as regular maintenance, so be sure they see other fluids and items must be regularly checked and maintained.
- Make the teen aware of what their current mileage is and at what mileage mark it's time to perform maintenance again.
Find a Repair Facility Near College
Depending on how frequently teens return home or how far away their college is located, they might be able to have regular maintenance performed at their families' usual auto repair shop while at home visiting. However, even if this is the case, it's important for parents to help teens identify an auto repair shop they can trust near their school in case an unexpected repair is needed.
- If possible, parents should accompany their teen to the shop while they are in town. Allow the teens to be introduced shop owner and/or management so they will be more comfortable with them should they need return there with a repair emergency.
Prepare for Roadside Emergencies
It's important for parents to prepare their teens for a breakdown or other roadside emergency--especially if they are attending college too far away to 'call home' for help.
- Make sure the teen's vehicle has a well-stocked roadside emergency kit, and it's updated based upon the season. A few key items the kit should include are a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire pressure gauge, a blanket, granola or energy bars, a flathead and Phillips head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and pliers. During the winter months in areas with inclement weather, add in an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in snow.
- In addition to making sure the spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated, be sure the vehicle has a working jack and tire iron. Also, if the vehicle uses locking lug nuts, explain how they work to the teen in advance and where the key is located.
 |
photo:Jupiter Images