We often do not give our kids the credit they deserve. By the time they reach eight or nine years old they are capable of completing minor car maintenance jobs on your car; supervised, of course. I do not refer to anything that involves danger, such as working under the vehicle, but they can undertake some of the servicing you perform on a regular basis.
If a child learns how to perform maintenance tasks when they are young, it will be second nature to them when they acquire a vehicle of their own. They will also remember how mom or dad showed them what to do when you have shuffled the mortal coil. So what jobs could you entrust to them? Here are a few suggestions.
Tyre Pressures
It is easy to check the tyre pressures on the vehicle. If you don’t know how to do it, read on. I find that a foot pump with integral pressure gauge is the simplest method.
* The valve on the wheel rim should have a plastic cover. Remove it by screwing anti-clockwise and place it where it will not get lost.
* Attach the pump to the valve by pushing the adapter onto it and depressing the lever. You will hear a hiss as some of the air escapes.
*Read the air pressure on the gauge.
*Pump the device with your foot to bring the pressure up to the correct level.
*Take the adapter off the valve swiftly.
*Replace the plastic cover on the valve.
Clean And polish
Cleaning the car is hard work, but the team at Country Cars say that you should always present your vehicle at its best. Show your child the correct way to shampoo, rinse, and polish the car to make it shine.
Screen Wash
Most cars have front and rear screen wash these days. Teach them how to mix the product to the correct proportions in a watering can and top up the reservoir in the car. It is an easy but necessary maintenance task.
Light Bulbs
Occasionally, a light bulb will blow, and you will have to replace it. Think of it as an opportunity to involve your child in a technical repair. Of course, the method of replacement is different on most vehicles, but it will show them the principle behind swapping a bulb. They will have the confidence to take it on in the future. You might be surprised at the number of people who haven’t a clue what to do when a light fails on their car.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are essential safety items, and you must replace them when they show signs of wear. The process looks complicated, but it isn’t. They last for several years, so you might not need to undergo the process very often, but it is all experience.
Remember that it is your responsibility to supervise your child at all times. They will gain valuable experience from the tasks that will serve them well. A small reward is in order for the work they carry out, perhaps it is a great way for them to earn their pocket money.
