LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - August 20, 2009) - Preparing college-bound teens for life away from home can be an anxious and task-filled time. While many parents will be teaching and reminding their teens about diet, laundry and personal safety, they too frequently forget the important subject of car care and repairs before sending their teen and vehicle off to college.
"Learning the essential points of car care is something that ideally should be part of the process of learning to drive," said Steve Mazor of the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center. "But often those key points are overlooked or only briefly reviewed because the teen's vehicle is maintained by the parent while they're living at home."
Before sending their teen and vehicle off to college, the Auto Club encourages parents to review maintaining a vehicle and preparing for the unexpected.
CHECK AND MAINTAIN TIRES
-- Parents should make sure their teens have a tire pressure gauge in
their vehicle, know where it is located and how to use it properly. While
there are a variety of tire pressure gauges, those with electronic readouts
might be the easiest for the teen to use.
-- Explain that tires should be checked at least once a month when the
tires are cold.
-- Show teens where to find the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire
pressure -- which is located on a label on the driver's door jamb or in the
glove box. It's important that teens know they should not use the
inflation pressure found on the tire sidewall which is the tire's maximum
pressure level, but it might not be the correct pressure for the tire when
used on their particular vehicle.
-- Take teens to the gas station with an air pump and let them practice
adding air to the tires so they're familiar with how it's done.
-- Make sure teens know they should also check the tire pressure in the
spare tire.
-- Explain what to look for when examining the tread of their tires.
Look for any nails or other objects. Inspect each tire for bulges or other
abnormalities that would signal the need for replacement.
-- Demonstrate how to check tire tread depth by inserting a quarter
upside down into a tire groove. If they can see above Washington's head
anywhere they check on the tire, it's time to start shopping for new tires.
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.
-- 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 young drivers 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
It's important for parents to help college-bound identify an auto repair shop they can trust near their school in case an unexpected repair is needed.
-- If unfamiliar with the area around the college, look for a AAA
Approved Auto Repair facility. As a free public service for all motorists,
AAA inspects auto repair shops around the country and only approves those
that meet and continually maintain high professional standards for
equipment, customer service, cleanliness and training. To search for a AAA
Approved Auto Repair shop nearby, visit AAA.com/repair.
-- If possible, parents should accompany their teen to the shop while
they are in town. Allow teens to meet the shop owner or manager so they'll
be more comfortable with them should they need to return there with a
repair.
PREPARE FOR ROADSIDE EMERGENCIES
It's important for parents to prepare their teens for a breakdown or other roadside emergency -- especially if they're attending college too far away to 'call home' for help.
-- Provide teens with membership in a motor club that provides reliable
roadside assistance, such as AAA. Choose one that will not expect motorists
to find their own towing company or pay for service up front and later be
reimbursed. Also, ensure they have a large dedicated network of service
providers that offers plenty of coverage in and around the college. Be sure
teens keep their membership card with them. If they are AAA members, the
benefits will follow the teen no matter whose vehicle they're in, so
parents needn't worry about their teen in a friend's vehicle lacking
roadside service.
-- Make sure the teen's vehicle has a roadside emergency kit, and it's
updated each season. The kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries,
jumper cables, a first-aid kit, 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 winter, add in an
ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase
traction if stuck in snow.
Contact Information: Contact: Elaine Beno/Jeffrey Spring 714-885-2333