What I want to teach my son about cars

I recently received good news My wife was pregnant with our first child. When I cut into the special cake she ordered from a local bakery in Phoenix, Arizona, and saw blue instead of pink, I knew it was a boy. Naturally, my first thought was all the car-related nursery items and toys to (hopefully) make him a car enthusiast from an early age. Then I started thinking about what I wanted to teach him about cars at different stages of his childhood and adolescence. Of course, basic parts and mechanical knowledge are essential so that cars don’t seem so intimidating. The same goes for how to perform basic maintenance and change a tire. I’ve included the content outside of these topics below as if I were talking to my son (please bear with me if my childish language needs improvement).

Cars are an important part of the world

“What are those things you see through the window that make a lot of noise? Those are cars and trucks. They are very important to a lot of people. They use them to get to different places, like home, the park, the grocery store, and the doctor. They also use them to visit friends and family. When you were born, your mom and I brought you home from the hospital in this car we’re in now.”

A car is a responsibility

“Son, your car may be fun, but it’s also a responsibility. You need to take care of it, just like our dog. You have to make sure it has everything it needs to run properly, so check the oil and other fluids, keep them filled, and let me know if the check engine light comes on or the car shows any trouble codes. You also have to make sure it’s safe on the road, so keep an eye on your wiper blades and tires. If one of your lights goes out, it needs to be replaced so people can see you and know if you’re turning or braking. If you hear strange noises – like squealing brakes – that means there might be a problem that needs to be fixed. Trust your instincts. If you think something’s wrong, tell me. Don’t worry about making mistakes. I just want you to be safe.”

How to be a good driver

“Now that you have your license, I want to teach you something your instructor may not have told you. Just like anywhere else in this world, you are not the only person on the road. We all have to work together. This is not a race. You don’t need to weave in and out of traffic like you’re on a slalom course. There’s no need to be aggressive. So don’t tailgate or cut in line. If you need to be somewhere by a certain time, start early so you don’t have to rush. If you’re going to be late, be late, so don’t drive like a madman and put yourself and others in danger.”

Being a good driver is not enough

“I wish I could say that if you do everything right you don’t have to worry about anything, but I can’t. Just because you’re doing your best here doesn’t mean everyone else is doing the same. Don’t follow too closely so you have enough room and time to brake. Check your surroundings because someone could be drifting out of their lane. Always pay attention far ahead because if someone does something stupid it could cause a pileup and you don’t want to be in one of them.”

It’s okay if you don’t like cars

“When your mom and I knew we were going to be parents, we felt so blessed. We didn’t care if you were a boy or a girl. We just wanted you to be healthy. Sure, I want you to learn to drive, but if you don’t, that’s okay, son. It won’t hurt my feelings. I just want you to be happy, and part of that comes from being yourself. So if you’d rather draw comics like your Uncle Dan, or get a degree in finance, or learn how to be a carpenter, go for it.

But if you Do If you like cars, you can always talk to me about cars. Just go easy on your mom though—she can only handle so much car talk at once.”

The car will become a part of your life milestone

“Cars are more than just metal, glass and rubber. They have a human element to them. They can be part of important moments in your life, and you remember every moment. When your mom and I first went on a date, we drove a Nissan Titan XD with a 5.0-liter Cummins diesel engine. We drove to the restaurant in a Buick Enclave Avenir, where I proposed to her. I will never forget the car you and I drove for our first ride.”