Many teens will be getting their drivers license for the first time this year. It is a really exciting time and sometimes the basics can be lost if not taught early. I have a teenager that is learning to drive and he certainly will know these certain things before he gets the car by himself.
1. How to properly change a tire. It will eventually happen. One day they will be driving and a tire will go flat. The first step is pull over slowly to an area that is relatively flat and has firm ground underneath the vehicle. Do not be concerned about saving the tire, it is already flat and driving on it will damage the cords of the tire and it will need to be replaced anyways. I do not recommend just repairing a tire that goes all the way flat and has been driven on. You are running a risk of major tire failure if it is not replaced.
Next, know if you have a front will drive vehicle or a rear wheel drive vehicle. This is important because of where the tire is to be mounted if it is not a true spare (a true spare will be the same size as all the other tires on the vehicle). A donut spare can cause damage to a driveline of a vehicle if it is put in the wrong place. Then follow the instructions in the owner’s manual on jack placement and lifting. Before the vehicle is lifted; have all your tools and spare tire out of the vehicle ready for use, all people out of the vehicle in a safe location from traffic, and loosen the lug nuts of the flat tire at least one full turn. The purpose of this is when a vehicle is lifted; just breaking the initial torque of a properly tightened lug nut could knock it of the jack stand, let alone all the lug nuts and having all your tools in place so you are not going in and out a vehicle that is lifted.
Follow the instruction in the owner’s manual again for tire replacement and installation. You will follow a star pattern on tightening the lug nuts to slowly center the tire on the hub. Once the lug nuts are snug lower the vehicle off the jack and onto the spare tire. Remove the jack and then properly finish the torque process of the wheel on the hub. If you have any doubt refer to the owners manual for questions or confer with a professional.
2. What to do if involved in an accident. If a person is involved in an accident there are certain things that should always be done. Stop your vehicle immediately and turn off the ignition. Check to see if anyone is hurt and call 911 if you have any doubt, the police should also be notified at this time about the accident. Take down all the information of the other driver and vehicle involved. Here is a link to a list of items needed. Do help the police that are involved when asked. If you have any doubt call your insurance company on anything else that would be needed.
3. Be willing to say no. I don’t care who it is, what they are doing to distract you, but tell them no and if they don’t stop immediately they can get out. Also if they think that someone is impaired in anyway and should not be driving themselves don’t be scared to say no I will not ride or drive with you in the car. Let a parent or professional drive them if needed. This will be the hardest lesson to learn but it is the most important. No is a defining word that draws a line on what a person will take and will not take. Knowing how to use it is even more important. Let everyone know where you stand on safe driving.
Hopefully we all learned something about being a better driver. These three little items can save us all a little headache and get us home to our loved ones safely.