Car Repair, Autos & Your Teens

Have you been thinking about your kids in terms of car repair? When teenagers turn sixteen, they are often dying to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. You may be wondering whether you should let them drive the family vehicle, your set of wheels or buying them one to use. This is a big decision and all facets have pros and cons to consider. Here are some things to think about:

Your teenager: Before giving the okay to your adolescent to drive at all, it's important to thoroughly consider whether your kid is ready for this level of responsibility. Just because he or she has turned the magical legal age doesn't mean he or she is ready. Driving an automobile is like being handed over a weapon that can hurt your child and others on the road. Will he or she handle it responsibly? You, as a parent, will have to make the best decision. Consider this:

- Are they generally responsible? Does Junior do what you ask him to do? Does he perform his household chores such as mowing the lawn or feeding the dog without being reminded? Does Jane come home by curfew and clean up her room as she's required by the household rules? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, your kid is responsible. Congratulations.

- Do they get good grades? If your kid is flunking out of school because of not doing homework, not only is this a red flag showing immaturity, it will also mean your insurance rates will be higher. Discounts are awarded to teens on the honor roll at school.

- Have there been drug or alcohol issues? If your kid is a party animal, a set of car keys is not a wise move. Youth, inebriants and vehicles are a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Your car vs. theirs: Should you let them drive the old family van, your shiny red sports car or buy them their own set of wheels?

- Yours: If you decide to share the family auto or your prized BMW with your teen, be prepared to be carless on occasion and have a few dings from amateur parking jobs. If you have a tiny sporty model, this might not be enough metal surrounding them on the road.

- Theirs: Purchasing them their own ride will mean you don't have to share, find McDonald's wrappers in your glove compartment or miss a meeting because they didn't get home on time. It will, however, be a huge expense that they should contribute toward. Can they pay for insurance or car repair on their own? That would be a good way to build responsibility. Buying a large, safe vehicle such as a tank would be one way of keeping them safer on the streets.

When thinking about teens, autos and car repair, a parent will have to seriously consider whether their kids are ready for this huge responsibility. By doing a big of soul searching and introspection, a parent will be able to come up with the best decision.