visit raa.com.au
Caring for your car is more than a matter of maintenance – it can be a question of life and death.
That’s why RAA is inviting secondary schools to have us host a car care workshop, so the next generation of drivers are aware of the risks of driving with bald tyres, faulty lights and dirty windscreens.
The workshop, conducted by RAA technical experts, also explains to students how to change a tyre and check the oil, among other basic maintenance skills.
Students from year ten are also made aware of the free Federal Government Keys2drive lesson offered by professional instructors, what a car’s crash test rating means and legal responsibilities they will face when they get behind the wheel.
RAA’s Technical Advisory Services Manager Andrew Clark said the workshops involved thirty minutes of classroom theory and an hour of hands on experience with an RAA vehicle.
“It’s about making students realise that car care can be as simple as knowing what to look for and how to look for it,’’ he said.
“Driving a car without engine oil or coolant can result in very expensive repairs.
“And driving with bald tyres, faulty seatbelts or lights which aren’t working can create a significant safety hazard.’’
RAA Daily caught up with students from Immanuel College in the western suburbs at a recent workshop held by Mr Clark.
Oscar and Anita, both 16, said the workshop provided a real eye opener to the running of a car.
Anita said she “didn’t know any basic mechanics’’ of how a car operated and was grateful of the chance to learn at the workshop.
“I’m getting my L-plates this year so it’s good to know things like what the legal minimum tread on a tyre is,’’ Anita said.
Oscar said he too was unaware 1.5mm was the minimum amount of tread required on a car tyre.
“And the tip about checking your spare tyre has enough air should come in handy too,’’ he said.
Schools can organise an RAA Car Care Workshop by contacting School Education Manager David Fairlie on 82028214 or ssmart@raa.com.au.