Teen Drivers Should Know About Automotive Service!
School will be starting in many parts of the country. This means that many teenagers will be getting behind the wheel of a vehicle to go to school, maybe to a job, and back to home. From the time these teens were babies, their parents have been protecting them from all sorts of danger. But now these parents have to face the fact that their child is driving on their own.
How do you get prepared for your teenager to get behind the wheel? First and foremost is to make sure that all recommended automotive service issues have been taken care of at the appropriate interval on the vehicle they will be driving. Make sure your teen understands the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, good wipers, how to change a flat tire, etc.
Secondly, parents need to make sure that any necessary automotive repair has been done. Teenage drivers generally are not experienced enough to recognize the signs indicating a pending automotive repair issue. Parents will want to know that their teen won’t be stranded somewhere with a dead battery, clogged air filter, or overheating engine.
Before handing over the keys to your teen driver, make sure they understand and agree to a few basic rules:
- No Cell Phones – Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time similar to that of a 70-year-old, no matter how experienced a driver you are. Texting is among the worst of distractions, as it involves manual, visual, and cognitive actions.
- No Extra Passengers – In one study, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with a teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenage passengers.
- No Speeding –Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding (a major factor contributing to teen drivers involved in fatal crashes) and staying in control of the vehicle. Remind them to always follow the posted limit and of the potential consequences if they don’t.
- No Alcohol –Teen drivers between 15 and 20 years old are at a far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than adults. If they survive a crash, the teen will have to face the consequences of breaking the law, such as a trip to jail, loss of a driver's license, attorney fees, court costs, fines, and insurance consequences. They could also lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards.
- Always Buckle Up – Remind your teenagers that seat belts help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in emergency situations. Wearing a seat belt is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers whether driving across town or just around the neighborhood.
Remember: As a parent, you are the #1 influence molding your young adult into a safe and capable driver. Talking is important, but modeling good habits yourself by following the rules above is even better.
Need a quality automotive repair for your teenager’s vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our automotive services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
School will be starting in many parts of the country. This means that many teenagers will be getting behind the wheel of a vehicle to go to school, maybe to a job, and back to home. From the time these teens were babies, their parents have been protecting them from all sorts of danger. But now these parents have to face the fact that their child is driving on their own.
How do you get prepared for your teenager to get behind the wheel? First and foremost is to make sure that all recommended automotive service issues have been taken care of at the appropriate interval on the vehicle they will be driving. Make sure your teen understands the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, good wipers, how to change a flat tire, etc.
Secondly, parents need to make sure that any necessary automotive repair has been done. Teenage drivers generally are not experienced enough to recognize the signs indicating a pending automotive repair issue. Parents will want to know that their teen won’t be stranded somewhere with a dead battery, clogged air filter, or overheating engine.
Before handing over the keys to your teen driver, make sure they understand and agree to a few basic rules:
- No Cell Phones – Talking on a cell phone while driving reduces reaction time similar to that of a 70-year-old, no matter how experienced a driver you are. Texting is among the worst of distractions, as it involves manual, visual, and cognitive actions.
- No Extra Passengers – In one study, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with a teenage peer compared to when driving alone. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenage passengers.
- No Speeding –Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding (a major factor contributing to teen drivers involved in fatal crashes) and staying in control of the vehicle. Remind them to always follow the posted limit and of the potential consequences if they don’t.
- No Alcohol –Teen drivers between 15 and 20 years old are at a far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than adults. If they survive a crash, the teen will have to face the consequences of breaking the law, such as a trip to jail, loss of a driver's license, attorney fees, court costs, fines, and insurance consequences. They could also lose academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards.
- Always Buckle Up – Remind your teenagers that seat belts help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in emergency situations. Wearing a seat belt is the absolute best way to protect themselves and their passengers whether driving across town or just around the neighborhood.
Remember: As a parent, you are the #1 influence molding your young adult into a safe and capable driver. Talking is important, but modeling good habits yourself by following the rules above is even better.
Need a quality automotive repair for your teenager’s vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our automotive services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
