Teenagers Learning To Drive Lack Basic Car Maintenance Skills
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — While teenagers are getting their license and getting behind the wheel, a study raises concerns that they may not know how to keep their cars from becoming a hazard.
A Michelin tire study found 52 percent of teens between the ages of 15 and 17 don't know how to change a tire, while 44 percent don't know how to check for tread depth, and 32 percent don't understand the importance of tire pressure.
Sharon Woods at River City High is passionate about driver's education, especially when it comes to her students.
"You have to understand how lucky you are to be at a school that not only offers drivers education but requires it for graduation," she said.
She wants them to not only pay attention in class, but when the time comes, behind the wheel.
"Driving is the No. 1 killer of teens between the ages of 14 and I'm going to push it up to like 21," she said.
She wishes she could add down and dirty preventative maintenance to her curriculum.
"State of California says 30 hours of in seat classroom time and that's not a lot of time," she said.
On top of that, the state requires just six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, but there's no mention of preventative maintenance training.
Some students like Devontra Beaver wish it was required.
"It's very important," Beaver said. "Change your oil, change your tires and ready to rock and roll so you don't have to worry about that when you're actually on the road."
