Teaching your child easy car maintenance tasks can instill a sense of responsibility and help them learn about the inner workings of a vehicle. It can also be an excellent bonding experience for your family.
These easy car maintenance tasks to teach your child can act as a foundation for your maintenance lessons and have your child helping you out in no time.
Changing the Oil
This task is simple and only requires a few minutes. Oil helps lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly.
Show your child how to locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it clean. Then, have them insert it back into the car and pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil should be at the full mark or just below it.
If you need to change the oil, have your child help you drain the old oil, add new oil, and show them how to dispose of the used oil properly.
Jumping a Car
Jumping a car is a task that every driver should know how to do. It’s simple and only requires a few supplies.
You need a set of jumper cables, another car with a working battery, and some safety goggles.
Show your child how to locate the batteries in both cars. Have them watch you attach the positive cable (red) to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Talk them through the process as you connect the other end of that same cable to the positive terminal of the good battery.
Fixing a Car Scratch
Scratches happen. It’s just a fact of life. That said, you don’t have to live with them. You can fix most car scratches yourself with just a few supplies.
There are many types of car scratches and differing ways to repair them, meaning some are easier to fix than others. For most, you will need sandpaper, touch-up paint, and a clear coat.
Have your kids help you sand down the scratch, apply the paint, and finish it off with a clear coat for an easy “job well done”!
Checking Tire Pressure
It’s wise to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Low tire pressure can lead to a blowout and cause an accident.
Show your child where the tire pressure gauge is and how to use it. Have them help you check the tire pressure on all four tires. The manufacturer will often list the ideal tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.
Performing these easy car maintenance tasks can give your child a sense of accomplishment and make them feel more grown up. Kids love helping out, and doing these tasks will make them feel like they are valuable members of the family. Before you know it, they’ll be asking about owning a car in college!
Start sharing these crucial lessons today and see how much fun you can have while teaching your child easy car maintenance tasks.
Photo – Andrea Piacquadio
