Helping young drivers know what’s going on under the hood

• Education about vehicles for new drivers
• Hands on experience
• Lets new drivers ask questions about how cars work

Signaling, shoulder checking, and knowing the rules of the road are important, but new drivers should also know what is going on under the hood.

The New Driver’s Car Clinic hosted by Car Craft Automotive, gives young drivers the opportunity to do exactly that - learn the ins and outs of vehicle maintenance, as well as basic tips on how to stay safe on the road.

“It’s a way to introduce new drivers into just the fundamentals of what to check out on vehicles,” Car Craft Automotive Owner, Tony Diemand, told Kelowna10.

He said the clinic gives drivers an idea of what to look for, and a little bit more knowledge so when they are driving on a trip, they’re safe.

Some specific skills taught include checking fluids, general maintenance, as well as how to change a tire. THe lessons can even extend to an understanding of how brakes work, for example.

“The easy stuff first of all - checking oil, making sure washer fluid is good, making sure your wiper blades and tires are good,” Diemand said.

The clinic runs for an hour and gives new drivers the opportunity to ask any car related questions they have.

“As a new driver, the responsibility is driving safely on the road, but it’s also with making sure that the vehicle you're driving is safe,” Diemand said.

At the end of the clinic, prizes such as hats, t-shirts and backpacks are handed out.

Diemand enjoys interacting with his clients and the community and thinks it’s important for young people to know what’s going on with their vehicles.

“We’re happy to put this all together and that, just to put together some information, and going out there making our young drivers safer.”