Getting your first driver’s license is an exciting milestone for any teen. However it’s important to make sure your teenager understands good car maintenance habits. Many young people forget to do basic checks on their vehicle, or they might be turned off by the cost of maintaining a car. Teaching your teenager proper car maintenance will ensure that they’re safe on the road, and it will save them money in the long run.
Read the car’s manual
Go through the car’s manual together with your teen. The manual will provide you with information on the car’s features, basic maintenance tips, and advice on things such as what type of oil to use. Every vehicle is a little different, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the manual.
Keep an eye on gauges
Teach your teen how to read their car’s dashboard and what the various warning lights mean. Does the oil need changing? Does the engine need to be checked? Keeping a close eye on the car’s gauges will mean your teen isn’t left stranded because they’ve run out of petrol or ignored an overheating engine.
Check the car’s fluids regularly
Open the car bonnet and show your teen where the fluids are and what levels they should be at. Changing the oil regularly will keep the engine in prime condition and you can teach your teen how to do this in 30 minutes. Coolant should also be topped up regularly to help keep the engine from overheating.
Make sure tyres, lights and wipers are in good condition
Teach your teen to check their tyres every time they fill up their car. Tyres that are overinflated or underinflated won’t wear evenly and will need replacing more often, which can be expensive. Make sure your teen knows how to check that all their lights are working – this means front and rear indicators, high beam and low beam headlights, brake lights and reverse lights. And finally, check the windshield wiper blades and belts. If they feel worn or rough, it’s time to replace them.
Get regular servicing
The car’s manufacturer will recommend how often to get a routine service, and it’s important to follow this advice. A mechanic will perform all the regular checks necessary to keep your teen’s vehicle safe and running smoothly and efficiently.
Pay attention to any changes
Make sure your teen is familiar with how their car should feel and sound when it’s performing properly. If the car bounces or wanders, it could be a sign that the suspension needs checking. Or if the steering wheel pulls to one side when braking, the car’s brakes and alignment might be the issue. Teach your teen to listen to the engine (without loud music playing!) so that they will know what the engine sounds like when it’s running normally. This way they will be alert to any changes that may indicate a mechanical problem.
Clean the car regularly
Nobody likes washing the car, but keeping a vehicle clean will ensure your teen’s car is safer to drive. A dirty windshield can reduce visibility, particularly at night or in fog.
Be prepared
Stash some emergency items in your teen’s car so that if they break down they will be prepared. Jumper cables, a tool kit, torch, first-aid kit and empty petrol container are all advisable. Make sure the car’s spare tyre is properly inflated and that the jack is the right size for the car. You can also store a high-visibility vest in the car boot in case your teen needs to change a tyre at night.
Check your windscreen
A chip in your windscreen should be fixed before it grows and becomes irreparable. Windscreen Replacement Perth is a family run business offering mobile services for windscreen repairs and windscreen replacement throughout Perth. Owner Jason Squire has over 25 years’ experience and when you call, you’ll speak directly with the man himself. For a free quote, call the 24 hour hotline on 0400 200 086
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
