When a teen gets his or her license, the world is suddenly wide open. Going places is much easier and there is no need to ask mom or dad for a drive. But, with the fun of driving, also comes responsibility. Teaching your teens basic safety checks and maintenance will help prevent the need to call car accident lawyers in AZ & NM. National Teen Driver Safety Week is right around the corner making it the perfect time to go over basic safety checks and car maintenance tips with your teen.
8 Safety Checks for Your Teen to Know Before Driving a Car
Our personal injury team came up with the following eight things you may want to go over with any young driver(s) in your household:
- Read the owner’s manual. Okay, the owner’s manual isn’t the most interesting book on the planet. But it is full of very important information, including what oil to use, how much pressure the tires need, how to change a tire, and what all the buttons and dials are for.
- Know how to care for tires. Every driver needs to know how to check air pressure in the tires and how to air up the tires. Besides that, your teen needs to know how to check the tire’s sidewalls for bumps, bulges and cracks. Also, have your teen check the tread. Emphasize that checking the tires should occur every time you fill the tank.
- Get the oil changed on schedule. If your teen is going to be driving a car regularly, then getting him or her familiar with the oil change schedule is critical. Routine oil changes prolong the life of the engine. Plus, it keeps the engine running efficiently which means less gas.
- Clean the car. Dirty windows lowers visual range. Dirty headlights cannot be seen as easily. Clogged air vents reduce A/C effectiveness. Unsecured items inside become flying missiles during an accident. Emphasize the importance of both interior and exterior cleaning.
- Know the fluid location and level. Your teen needs to know where to check fluid levels under the hood, including oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. It is also important to know how to check the levels and add additional fluid when needed.
- Check the brakes. Brakes are critical for stopping. Your teen should know what signs could indicate brake problems, such as screeching, rumbling or difficulty stopping.
- Check the battery. The triple-digit heat during desert summers can take its toll on a car’s battery. The teen should be able to check the battery for connection or corrosion problems.
- Checking wear on windshield wipers. While rain can be scarce at times, it is critical for the wipers to be in good shape when they are needed. Your teen needs to know what signs indicate the wipers need changing.
Know When to Call Accident Lawyers in AZ & NM
These simple safety checks and maintenance tips will help keep your teen safe on the road. Another thing you need to teach your teen is what to do if an accident occurs. This includes calling the authorities and filing the appropriate paperwork with the insurance company.
There may come a time when you or your teen needs assistance in dealing with the aftermath of an accident. That is when you need to call on car accident lawyers in AZ & NM. You can reach us at (602) 977-1900 or toll-free (844) 977-1900. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, you can reach us day or night, 24/7, by giving us a call. You can also reach us via LiveChat.