Troubleshooter: Got a new driver? Here’s what they should know

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I still remember the angst when I let my teenager behind the wheel for the first time with me in the passenger seat. White-knuckled doesn’t begin to describe it, even though our trip was uneventful and relatively smooth. Every parent (silly enough to try some driver’s education on their own) knows the feeling, and it doesn’t get much better when watching them sail out of the driveway on their first solo venture. But long before a new driver gets behind the wheel, there are a few things they should know about operating a fairly technical piece of equipment capable of efficient transportation and sheer mayhem.

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Where and how to check fluids

Any new driver should know how to pull an engine oil dipstick, and the meanings of the fluid level marks on reservoir bottles for coolant and brake fluid, for example. And don’t forget to mention various fluid leaks and how to recognize the difference between coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid. They should also know how to replace wiper blades, and would benefit from being able to replace a dirty air filter.

With the hood open, it’s a great time to point out the various components that can cause problems on an older ride such as fan belts, hoses that might spring a leak, and what all those various pulleys run. This could avert serious panic in the event of a squeaky accessory belt while out on their own.

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Walk-around

Flip the ignition key to the on position (without starting the engine) to explain all of the warning icons, what they mean, and why they shouldn’t be ignored. Show them a maintenance guide and point out the simple things they can do themselves, and how to keep track of when certain services may be due.

Show them how to do a walk-around check and what to look for, including malfunctioning lights, tires that may need a pressure check, and any loose or risky body parts. Discuss common noises such as brakes grinding because they ran out of pad material, or a suddenly loud exhaust because someone made off with their catalytic convertor.

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Everyone should know how to inspect tires. Forget all the tips on using coins or whatever to measure tire tread depth — splurge and spend the few dollars to get your new driver a proper tread-depth and pressure gauge and show them how to use them. Also point out how to recognize uneven wear and its possible causes. And no matter how much money you might spend on a road-side assistance package (and for a used vehicle with a new driver this isn’t a bad idea), teach them how to safely change a flat tire.

Find a safe, non-distracting place in the car to keep their phones when driving, and threaten to ground their wheels if you ever find it somewhere else in the vehicle. If the vehicle isn’t equipped with a mobile phone hands-free system, get one and make sure it’s paired with their phone and operational. Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions, and its consequences can be as painful to your family as to any others impacted in a crash.

This is just a very basic list, but what if you don’t have the knowledge to pass it on? Check out a community college interest course and enrol with your new driver. There’s no better way to prove you’re serious about their future on wheels.