Teaching Car Basics: 10 Things Every Teen Should Know About Vehicle Maintenance
Handing over the keys to a new teen driver is a big moment—but making sure they know how to take care of that car? That’s just as important.
A lot of teens are eager to hit the road but don’t know the first thing about what’s under the hood—or how to handle common car issues when they happen. Teaching basic vehicle maintenance isn’t just about keeping their car running longer. It’s about safety, responsibility, and building confidence.
1. How to Check Tire Pressure
Tires that are over- or under-inflated can mess with handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Teach your teen how to use a tire pressure gauge (manual or digital) and where to find the recommended PSI—usually inside the driver-side door or in the owner’s manual.
2. How to Inspect Tread Depth
Bald tires are dangerous, especially in wet weather. Show them the “penny test” or better yet, teach them how to spot uneven wear that might signal an alignment or suspension issue.
3. What to Do If the Battery Dies
Jump-starting a car is a must-know skill. Go over the proper way to connect jumper cables, or better yet, show them how to use a portable jump starter (they’re easy to store and great in an emergency).
4. How to Pump Gas and What Fuel to Use
It might seem obvious, but not every teen knows the difference between regular, premium, and diesel. Make sure they know what to use for their vehicle and how to safely pump gas.
5. How to Read Warning Lights
Not every dashboard light means doom, but they all mean something. Go over the most common warning lights (like check engine, oil pressure, and tire pressure) and what to do when they pop up.
6. How to Check the Oil
Even if they’re not changing it themselves, they should know how to pop the hood, find the dipstick, and recognize when oil levels are low—or when the oil looks dirty.
7. How to Refill Windshield Wiper Fluid
This one’s super simple but easily forgotten. Visibility matters! Show them how to find the reservoir and refill it when needed—bonus points if they know how to check and replace their wiper blades.
8. What to Do in Case of a Breakdown
Every teen should have an emergency kit in their car—jumper cables, flashlight, basic tools, water, and a phone charger at minimum. Go over the steps to stay safe if the car breaks down, like pulling over, turning on hazard lights, and calling roadside assistance.
9. Why Keeping the Car Clean Matters
It’s not just about looks. A clean windshield helps visibility, and cleaning the car regularly can prevent long-term damage to paint and upholstery. Plus, it’s just part of respecting the ride.
10. How to Keep Track of Maintenance
Help your teen set up reminders for oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, and more. There are even apps that track this stuff for them, or you can go old school with a notebook in the glove box.
Giving your teen a solid foundation in basic car care can save time, money, and major headaches down the road. More importantly, it teaches independence and the value of taking care of what you rely on.
Even if they’re not future mechanics, knowing the basics can make your teen a safer, more capable driver—and give you peace of mind every time they hit the road.