Image Source
From changing a tyre to detailing the vehicle, car care and maintenance is a broad and sometimes complicated spectrum. Because of this, many people prefer to ignore their responsibilities. They’d much rather hand the vehicle to the mechanic and let them work their magic. But this isn’t always the best idea, especially if you’re in a pinch. The same goes for your kids. They will need to learn how to look after their vehicle after they move out, so what are the best ways to teach your kids about car maintenance?
Start Small
You can’t throw your kids into the deep end when it comes to car maintenance. Instead, it’s best to start small and focus on a few essentials that you know they are most likely to need. These issues are often simple fixes that your kids can do all by themselves, such as replenishing the oil and windscreen cleaner solution, while learning how to open the bonnet is another useful skill that will make them more comfortable with their car.
Show Them First
There’s no point in explaining what to do since many kids (even teens with their first car) will benefit from learning visually. Instead, make sure you show them how to do everything whether you demonstrate oil changes or replace a flat tyre. It’s best to do this a few times before allowing them to take charge so that they are clear on each step of the process.
Supervise Them When Going Practical
Your kids will need to do it themselves at some point, but that doesn’t mean you can wander off and let them get on with it without any care or supervision. Learning how to look after a car takes plenty of practice, so make sure you supervise them and guide them the first few times they attempt anything by themselves. While some maintenance tasks are easy enough and shouldn’t pose any problems, they might struggle if changing brake pads or even windscreen wipers if they have never done it before. Don’t take over from them, but be there to guide them.
Highlight Emergencies (Just In Case)
Learning the fundamentals is ideal for anyone who owns a car but you should also think about emergencies. One of the biggest risks is knowing how to jump start a car if the battery dies. You don’t want your kids to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, so walking them through this will prepare them for anything.
Get Them A Bike
Your kids need to know how to walk before they run, so researching road bikes can be a great way to introduce them to general vehicle care. While the scale is different, it still possesses many components that your kids will need to familiarise themselves with, such as brakes and changing a tyre. If your child isn’t ready to own a car, a bike offers some independence and can teach them a few things.
Learning Lessons
Car maintenance is one of the most important skills you can pass on to your kids. You want them to be self-sufficient and have the tools and knowledge to escape sticky situations. If you can impart information on how to fix common (and not-so-common) car problems, they will be set for life.