Page 6 - TL April Extra 2017

6TT • FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017 EXTRA ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
deciding on a vehicle}
While a teen receiving his or her first vehicle is a special occasion, there are many factors to consider when deciding which vehicle will provide the most safety and durability throughout the teen’s time with the vehicle.
DRIVE,
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Passenger capacity
Another factor to consider when shopping for cars for teenagers is passenger capacity. The more seats there are in a car, the more friends teens can pack into their vehicles. Numerous teenagers in a car at once can prove distracting to the driver, and that distraction can pave the way for an auto accident. Steer clear of minivans, SUVs or other vehicles that feature a third row of seats, as teens may be unable to stay focused on the road with so many passengers in tow.
Under the hood
There are few teens who would not light up at the sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway.
But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial horsepower and high- performance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor driving habits.
Look for a vehicle with modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.
Wear and tear
Teens’ first cars are often pre-owned vehi- cles, and such cars may have significant wear and tear on some important safety features. Wear and tear may not be a reason to avoid purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, but parents may want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased, pre-owned vehicles. Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding an accident or getting into one. In addition, poorly inflated or worn-down tires pose a safety risk to teens and their passengers. If such features seem to be worn down, replace them before letting teens hit the open road on their own.
Teens will remember their first cars for the rest of their lives. Parents can ensure that those memories are positive by finding a car that teens can handle comfortably and operate safely.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative