You never know when your vehicle may leave you stranded on the side of the road. Credit: Contributed photo

Teens should carry a basic car repair kit

If you have younger drivers heading to and from campus during the upcoming holidays, you might consider arming them with a "Car Care Package."

Whether they're driving a long distance or operating a vehicle near home, parents can help young drivers plan ahead and help prevent breakdowns that could leave young drivers stranded along the roadside.

A car care package is inexpensive and contains items that will help young people perform necessary preventive maintenance and simple repairs to keep their vehicles moving.

A basic car repair kit should contain the following:

Goodyear Gemini Automotive Care, a NASCAR Performance Network member, advises parents to have vehicles periodically checked by a certified automotive technician to confirm they are road ready. The technician should inspect fluid levels, belts and hoses, tire pressure, filters, windshield wipers, brakes, lights and the battery.

Parents may also want to develop a 'cheat sheet' for their children indicating when to add oil, how much air to keep in the tires and how to use jumper cables. They will also want to teach their young drivers how to check oil and antifreeze levels, as well as air pressure, and steps to change a flat tire.