Automotive Service: Guidelines for New Drivers!
There are many young drivers each year getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, either as a driver-in-training, or for a summer job, summer school, or for fun with their friends. It can be a scary thought, but no parents or guardians are in the vehicle to make sure their child is aware of potentially dangerous situations or to keep them focused on the road. Thus, it is crucial that you prepare not only the child for the road, but also that the vehicle they are driving is as safe as possible.
Because new drivers are not experienced enough to recognize the signs indicating automotive repair problems, they should understand the importance of taking care of recommended automotive service items, such as oil changes, tire rotations, replacing wipers, changing flat tires, and brake inspections. The last thing you want to worry about is your child stranded somewhere with a dead battery, clogged air filter, or overheating engine.
Before handing over the keys, make sure your child knows what to do in case of an accident. Plus, here are some of the basic laws of the road that should be discussed with your child and agreed upon:
- No Cell Phones – Cell phone use while driving reduces reaction time, even though they may be on a Bluetooth speaker. One of the worst distractions, texting, involves manual, visual, and cognitive actions. As with any driver, if it is necessary to use a cell phone, find a safe place to pull over.
- No Extra Passengers – A published study found that teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when teen peers were in their vehicle. This study also reported that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenage passengers.
- No Speeding – Speeding is a major factor contributing to fatal crashes. As with all drivers, there are consequences for not following the posted speed limit.
- No Alcohol – Unfortunately, drivers between 15 and 20 years old are at a far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than adults. Your child should understand the consequences of breaking the law, such as a trip to jail, loss of a driver's license, attorney fees, court costs, fines, insurance consequences, and the worst scenario, the loss of life in an accident. Another factor to take into consideration is losing academic eligibility for scholarship and college acceptance.
- Buckle Up – Seat belts help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in emergency situations and are proven to protect and save lives in the event of an accident.
A word to parents: You are the main influence in molding your child into a safe driver. Practicing good habits and following the rules yourself speaks louder than words!
Need to take care of the automotive repair for your child’s vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about recommended automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
There are many young drivers each year getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, either as a driver-in-training, or for a summer job, summer school, or for fun with their friends. It can be a scary thought, but no parents or guardians are in the vehicle to make sure their child is aware of potentially dangerous situations or to keep them focused on the road. Thus, it is crucial that you prepare not only the child for the road, but also that the vehicle they are driving is as safe as possible.
Because new drivers are not experienced enough to recognize the signs indicating automotive repair problems, they should understand the importance of taking care of recommended automotive service items, such as oil changes, tire rotations, replacing wipers, changing flat tires, and brake inspections. The last thing you want to worry about is your child stranded somewhere with a dead battery, clogged air filter, or overheating engine.
Before handing over the keys, make sure your child knows what to do in case of an accident. Plus, here are some of the basic laws of the road that should be discussed with your child and agreed upon:
- No Cell Phones – Cell phone use while driving reduces reaction time, even though they may be on a Bluetooth speaker. One of the worst distractions, texting, involves manual, visual, and cognitive actions. As with any driver, if it is necessary to use a cell phone, find a safe place to pull over.
- No Extra Passengers – A published study found that teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when teen peers were in their vehicle. This study also reported that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenage passengers.
- No Speeding – Speeding is a major factor contributing to fatal crashes. As with all drivers, there are consequences for not following the posted speed limit.
- No Alcohol – Unfortunately, drivers between 15 and 20 years old are at a far greater risk of death in crashes involving alcohol than adults. Your child should understand the consequences of breaking the law, such as a trip to jail, loss of a driver's license, attorney fees, court costs, fines, insurance consequences, and the worst scenario, the loss of life in an accident. Another factor to take into consideration is losing academic eligibility for scholarship and college acceptance.
- Buckle Up – Seat belts help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in emergency situations and are proven to protect and save lives in the event of an accident.
A word to parents: You are the main influence in molding your child into a safe driver. Practicing good habits and following the rules yourself speaks louder than words!
Need to take care of the automotive repair for your child’s vehicle? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about recommended automotive service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
