What To Look For When Buying Your Teen Their First Car

With his or her newly minted driver's license, your teen driver has dreams of a new car appearing in the driveway with a big bow wrapped around it. However, this is a time to be practical. It is important to consider the following when shopping for the first vehicle your teen will drive.

 Which is better: a new car or a used car?

There are quality used cars available, so it comes down to your budget and preferences for your teen driver. A used vehicle with a few dings may be a better deal financially and could add character to your teen's first car. Another thought is to buy a new car for yourself and pass your used car onto the new driver. Depending on the available incentives, this may be a more economical option for everyone involved.

 Large or small?

Your teen has visions of a sports car. The reality is, the safest cars for new drivers are midsize. Make sure you don't pick one whose engine is so powerful that your inexperienced driver can speed too easily. While parking may be a challenge for your novice driver, the extra weight and bulk will give you additional peace of mind.

 Test driving is critical.

It is not overkill for you and your teen to test drive as many cars as possible within your price range. Everyone needs to feel comfortable with how your teen handles the vehicle. It is also important to talk with your teen about the responsibility of owning and maintaining a car. You may want to establish rules for when and where the car is driven. For example, how many passengers are allowed to be in the car at one time and have the ever-important talk about distractions that drivers must minimize most notably electronics.

Purchasing a vehicle for your teen is a big step. Although you may want to jump into buying a vehicle right away, it is crucial to take your time in finding the right one. For help finding the perfect new or used vehicle for your teen, reach out to the experts at Melloy Dodge! We will make sure we find the right fit for you and your teen.

How To Pack An Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

For our day-to-day trips from work and home, we may have a reliable friend or local mechanic to call if we experience any car trouble. However, when we commute or travel longer distances, an emergency car kit can help us get back on the road or keep us safe while we wait for assistance. There are retail stores that sell pre-made kits but it is better to construct one that is specialized for our own family’s needs. We suggest that you start with a durable container or tote and pack it with the following items:

Emergency Care Kit

Alcohol preps
Anti-itch cream
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Band-Aids
Aspirin or Ibuprofen
Medical tape
Gauze
Cotton balls
Tweezers
Fragrance-free baby wipes
Allergy medication
Scissors
Lip balm
Insect repellent
non-latex gloves
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

Roadside Assistance Kit

These elements are helpful in drawing attention, completing quick fixes, and safeguarding passengers if the car is stuck:

Jumper cables
Flashlight and spare batteries
Small fire extinguisher
Tire changing gear
Multipurpose tool
Road maps
Duct tape
Road flares

Adjust It For Special Circumstances

In creating this emergency kit, you should consider the age and condition of your automobile, your driving habits, and the weather of the area that you may be traveling through.
Water, non-perishable food items, and additional clothes are certainly necessary for any season.
For harsh winters add rain ponchos, kitty litter, warm gloves, ice scrapers, and a cozy blanket like those made from wool or fleece. For kids, remember puzzles, crayons, and activity books.
During the times that our vehicles are low on space, we should just pack the most critical objects.

Planning Ahead Is Key

Don’t procrastinate in creating a safety kit for your vehicle. It will only take a few moments to get done and you’ll be glad that you have it. At Melloy Dodge, we enjoy helping our customers take care of themselves along with their vehicles. Visit our dealership at any time or connect with us online and discover more suggestions for safe travels.

How To Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready This Fall

New Mexico can get chilly during the winter months. This cold weather doesn’t only impact you; It also affects your vehicle. Save yourself the time and money of repairs by following these vehicle maintenance tips before the cold weather hits!

Change your Oil
Oil changes are always important but are specifically important during cold months. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you are using the correct oil before your change. The oil keeps your engine lubricated and your vehicle running sm
oothly. It can thicken in cold weather, and not work as well when running through your engine.

Check your Battery
Now is the time to check your battery for corrosion and other issues. Cold temperatures mean your engine needs more power from the battery to run. Trying to jump your battery is not fun in freezing weather! You can check your batterie’s charge at home, or by taking your vehicle into an expert.

Check Your Tires 
Freezing temperatures can mean icy and snowy roads. To ensure you are safe driving this Winter, observe the tread on your tires as well as the tire pressure. If anything seems off, it may be best to invest in a new set!

Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
The last thing you want while driving on icy roads is for your vision to be obstructed. Ensure that your washer fluid won’t freeze by investing in a solution with antifreeze. New wiper blades will work effectively at removing any ice or slush from your windshield in times of inclement weather.

It’s never too early to be prepared! Following these tips will help you and your vehicle get through Winter safely. When you are in need of additional maintenance to keep your vehicle running in top shape, reach out to the experts at Melloy Dodge!