TEACHING CAR CARE TO KIDS

           Did you learn vehicle mainenance the hard way----by being stranded on the side of the road next to your broken-down car?  Or perhaps you forced yourself to quickly learn about proper maintenance after finding yourself more than once trying to decipher the advice of a less-than -scrupulous auto mechanic.
           No doubt you want your kids to be better prepared to take care of their vehicles.  Of course, engaging your children in auto maintenance should depend on their age and maturity level.   Start them young with simple projects, such as helping you wash the car, and over the years, gradually build their knowledge about more complicated auto-maintenance tasks.  Following are some teaching tips to try.
Scrub-a-dub
           On the first warm day of spring, drag out the hose, bucket, cleaning solution, sponges and vacuum, and get your kids to help you clean the winter grime off the family vehicle.  Try to make it less of a chore and more of a fun and lively afternoon family project.  Take the time to demonstrate some tricks of the trade you've learned over the years.  Let them blow off a little steam by squirting one another.  Give them treats after a job well done.
          Don't forget to also show them how to clean the interior.  By scrubbing seat cushions and windows and then vacuuming carpets, your kids might think twice in the future before dropping food crumbs or trash in the car.  And you're teaching them a valuable lesson about taking care of family property.
All systems go
          Before a road trip, ask your kids to help you ensure all of the vehicle's lights and turn signals work.  Have them stand outside and tell you if your headlights, brake lights and turn signals are functioning properly.  Make it fun by giving them an "official checklist" they can fill in and give back to you.
         Also, pull out your vehicle's emergency kit and, with your child, check to be sure it's complete and everything remains in working order.


Wipe and watch
         Spray window wash on your windshield and ask the kids to tell you if the wipers are leaving streaks.  Show them how to carefully lift each wiper arm off the windshield glass and run a finger along the ruber edge.  If the rubber feels chipped or rigid, the wipers should be replaced.  Bring your kids to the auto supply store to help you select new wipers, and then demonstrate how to install them.
Tire check
         With your child observing, use a tire gauge to check the trad depth.  Or you could try the penny test, which kids love:  Stick a penny test, upside-down into the middle and outside tread grooves.  If your child can see Lincoln's whole head, it's time to replace your tires.
          Also check your tire pressure.  Show your kids how to read the owner's manual to determine the optimal inflation level.  And while you're at it, let your child help you give the tires a once-over, looking for uneven wear patterns and cut or bulging sidewalls.
Touch up scratches
           Sometimes, a scratch on your car is only in the clearcoat, the protective outer paint layer.  Show your kids how to use a clearcoat pen to make the scratch nearly invisible.  (Definitely have your kids do this maintenance task if they caused the scratch.)
Under the hood
          The plastic covers over the engines of modern vehicles can collect debris and grease.  Show your older children how to use a spray detailer or any cleaner.  Take this time to also demonstrate how to check the vehicle's fluids, such as coolant, windshield wash and oil, and add whatever is needed.
Three safety tips
1. Never leave a child, especially a toddler, around a vehicle when other drivers are in the car and can't clearly see the child.  This includes when the car is in the driveway or the garage.
2. Never let your kids behind the wheel until they're old enough to learn to drive.
3. Never allow your children to play with your vehicle's buttons or levers.  They may, for example, inadvertently release the parking brake or start the engine in a closed garage.