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Back to School : Behind the Wheel Tips for Teens

Tips for Teen Drivers


As kids of all ages head back to school, it¹s important for young drivers to
know the simple things they can do to take care of their vehicles. Whether
driving to the local high school or miles from home to attend college,
learning how to properly maintain cars can help keep young drivers safer on
the road.

³Young drivers are often at risk of getting into an accident or having a
mechanical breakdown due to their lack of experience,² said Trisha
Hessinger, successful automotive television program host, car education
specialist and pace car driver. ³Firestone Tire & Service Centers has
compiled some simple tips to help teach young people the basics of vehicle
maintenance ­ an important part of every driver¹s education.²

First, make sure the vehicle¹s main fluids are routinely checked and filled
to the recommended levels, specifically the window washer fluid, engine oil,
anti-freeze / coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering
fluid. In many cases, low fluid levels can cause poor performance and
premature component failure. Maintaining these fluids at correct levels is
vital to the health of your vehicle and can also aid in preventing future
performance problems.

Next, pay attention to your tires. Remember, the tires are the only part of
your car that actually touch the road, so it¹s important that they are
maintained to allow the most effective driving under any weather and road
conditions. For example, stopping on wet roads can take up to four times
more than on dry surfaces. Plus, if your tread is worn, tires may hydroplane
­ skim over the surface of the road with little or no traction. Help avoid
this situation by checking your tires regularly.

An easy test to determine if your tread is warn is, place a U.S. penny into
a tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of
Lincoln's head (or 2/32²), you are below the minimum tread depth and the
tire should be replaced. Remember, this simple test is only appropriate for
tires on passenger vehicles.

You should also check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that all four
tires ­ and your spare ­ are properly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer¹s
recommended levels. Tires can lose up to one psi (pound per square inch) per
month under normal conditions. Proper inflation not only helps prevent
excessive tire wear, but also helps maximize fuel efficiency. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check tire air pressure monthly
and always when the car is cool ­ meaning it has been driven less than one
mile or has not moved in at least three hours.

You can find information on a vehicle¹s specified tire pressure and more in
your vehicle owner¹s manual. In fact, consider your owner¹s manual the
³textbook² for learning about your vehicle. Consult the manufacturer¹s
maintenance schedule (in the manual or free at your local Firestone Tire &
Service Center) to be sure you¹re servicing your vehicle as needed.

Finally, be sure to keep an emergency kit in your car. Include things like a
flashlight and fresh batteries, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a cell phone
and charger, a gallon of water, engine oil, an emergency blanket, a small
tool kit, gloves, a tire gauge, reflective light sticks, and a jack and lug
wrench. Hopefully you¹ll never need anything in your kit, but should
anything unexpected happen on the road, you¹ll be better prepared.

The start of a new school year brings new opportunities for learning, even
beyond the classroom. Through education, drivers can be better informed and
safer behind the wheel.

To learn more about driving tips and maintenance or Firestone Tire & Service
Center locations, visit www.MasterCareUSA.com.