AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Tammy Arnette talks with Les Sinclair about the basics that teens should know before they head off to college with the automobile.

RICHMOND, VA (Tuesday, August 11, 2015) – 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.

“As teens transition from passenger to driver, it is critical that parents not only teach safe driving habits, but also how to properly maintain a vehicle to prevent the unexpected on roadways,” said Tammy Arnette, Public Affairs Specialist for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Before sending their teen and vehicle off to college, AAA encourages parents to review four main areas about properly 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.
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. That 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 a gas station with an air pump and let them practice adding air to their tires so they are familiar with how it’s done.
Make sure teens know they should also check the tire pressure in the spare tire as well as the four tires on the vehicle.
Explain what to look for when examining the tread of their tires. Look for any nails or other objects that might be stuck in the tire. Inspect the 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 on the tire, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
Know the Maintenance Schedule

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 teens may only be aware of oil changes as regular maintenance, so be sure they understand other fluids and items must be regularly checked and maintained.
Make the teen aware of what the vehicle’s current mileage is and upcoming mileage intervals that require maintenance.

Find a Repair Facility near College

Depending on how frequently teens return home or how far away their college is located, they might be able to have regular maintenance performed at their families’ usual auto repair shop while at home visiting. However, even if this is the case, it’s important for parents to help teens 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 Car Care, Insurance and Travel Center or 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 find assistance with car care, visit www.AAA.com/CarCare.
If possible, parents should accompany their teen to the shop while they are in town. Allow the teen to be introduced to the shop owner and/or management so they will be more comfortable with them should they need to return there with a repair emergency.

Prepare for Roadside Emergencies

It is important for parents to prepare their teens for a breakdown or other roadside emergency – especially if they are attending college too far away to ‘call home’ for help.

Provide teens with a membership with a motor club that provides reliable roadside assistance, such as AAA. When selecting a motor club, be sure to choose one that will not expect motorists to find their own towing company. Also, ensure they have a large dedicated network of service providers that offers plenty of coverage in and around the location of the college. Be sure teens keep their membership card with them at all times. If they are AAA members, the benefits will follow the teen no matter whose vehicle they are in, so parents do not have to worry about their teens stranded in a friend’s vehicle without emergency road service.
Make sure the teen’s vehicle has a well-stocked roadside emergency kit, and it is updated based upon the season. A few key items the kit should include are a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, bottled 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 the winter months in areas with inclement weather, add in an ice scraper, snow brush and kitty litter or other material to increase traction if stuck in the snow.
In addition to making sure the spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated, be sure the vehicle has a working jack and tire iron. Also, if the vehicle uses locking lug nuts, explain in advance how they work and where the key is located.

In addition to the above car care tips, it is also important to remind teens not to allow their friends borrow their car since car insurance follows the car, not the driver. If your teen loans his or her car to a friend or roommate and there’s a crash, the crash will go against whoever owns the vehicle – which is usually Mom and Dad.

Last, but certainly not least, remember to discuss safe driving with your teen before you send them off to college with a vehicle. Discuss topics like drinking and driving, distracted driving, seatbelt safety, speed limits, and driving in inclement weather. Make sure your child understands the facts and risks of driving a car while away at college. Above all else, your teen’s safety is number one.