When kids grow old enough to drive, we often teach them how to drive and then hand them a car. Something we forget to teach them is how to take care of their car so it stays in good condition. We do not tell them to preserve the value of their car. In fact, we let them trash it and keep it dirty. We also do not warn them that not protecting their car can lead to a windshield replacement. In this blog, we are going to demonstrate ways you can inform teen drivers. The key to maintaining their car is knowing what to do.

Teach Your Teen to Wash the Windshield and Windows

You should teach your teen driver how to wash windshields and windows the right way. After all, if they neglect to do so, they basically leave weeks’ worth of dirt smeared all over the place. Indicate that rain does not effectively wash away dirt. In fact, it leaves behind water marks that cause the glass to blur.

Bird droppings, tree tar, and other dirt are never good for any auto glass. And what happens when your teenage kids decide to wash the dirt using the windshield wiper blades? All the old dirt gets smeared around and ends up scratching the surface of the glass instead, which does not prevent a windshield replacement.

Sure, wiper blades are meant to clean the glass, but it is never healthy to wash an extensive amount of dirt this way. Wiper blades should only be used when there is a hazy residue or a tiny smudge on the glass.

To teach your teen driver the right way to wash the windshield, invest in two or more microfiber cloths (these are highly affordable and usually come in packs). Tell them how microfiber cloths are gentle on car glass, meaning they will never scratch the surface, unlike regular sponges that do scratch.

Also, show them high-quality windshield cleaners. These, too, are usually affordable. All your teen needs to do is spray the cleaner on the windshield and wipe the glass with the dry microfiber cloth.

Teach Your Teen to Refill the Windshield Washer Fluid

It is important to teach your teen driver how to refill the windshield washer fluid. Follow these steps for an easy lesson:

• First, lift the hood of your car and find the washer fluid tank. Many times, the tank has a blue cap, and the cap itself either has an image of windshield wipers or a text that says something like “Washer Fluid Only.”
• Once your teen finds the tank, have them lift the cap and pour the windshield washer fluid in. Pour the fluid to the top of the tank. Just do not let the fluid spill over.
• Then they should put the cap back on and make sure that it is secure.
• Finally, remind your teen driver to check on the washer fluid every month. They should refill the tank when they find the blue water has decreased.

Also, be sure to show them what a good washer fluid looks like. Look for a bottle that contains blue water in the auto aisle of any retail store.

Teach Your Teen to Replace Old Windshield Wiper Blades

If you have ever seen old windshield wiper blades, you know they are not the prettiest, smoothest tool to use to clean and wipe the windshield. Usually, wiper blades tend to crack and become dry after about six months of usage. After that, utilizing them might scrape the glass.

To stop this from occurring and leading to a windshield replacement, teach your teen the correct way to replace wiper blades. You can do so by applying what this video demonstrates so well.

Teach Your Teen Not to Use Regular Household Cleaners

You should also teach your teen driver not to use regular household cleaners, such as Windex, to wash car glass. Many household cleaners have ammonia in them, and this substance can easily ruin car windshields and windows.

 

By demonstrating to your teen driver the proper way they could maintain and preserve their car, you are helping them prevent a windshield replacement.