Waterloo Automotive

Many proud moments come with being the parent of teenagers. Athletic events, recitals, grades, class projects and even the simple act of watching your child become an adult all can make your heart swell as you realize that your once little person is now growing up. Another proud moment for many parents is the one when they finally take the passenger’s seat in their car and hand the keys to their child. It’s a rite of passage that can only be experienced once, and it’s a big moment for both parents and teens—one that establishes a higher level of responsibility for the new driver. Because of that responsibility, which includes themselves, their passengers, other drivers and the automobile, it is important that teens be properly prepared to take the road. Yes, as a parent you will do so much to help your teen learn the basic mechanics of driving, but it’s also a good idea to allow your student to take part in a driver’s education course that prepares them for both the menta ... read more

It’s not something parents want to hear, but it’s a statistic that has to be shared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States accounting for more than one in three fatalities in the age group. In fact, recent data shows that eight teens in the U.S. die every day from injuries sustained in car accidents. But why? Why are teens so susceptible to car crashes? Unfortunately it’s not just one single factor but a variety that, when combined, contribute to the high number of teen accidents. The first contributing factor is inexperience, and it’s the one thing that’s unavoidable. Teens are simply new drivers and less familiar with life behind the wheel. They’re going to make mistakes, and that’s just part of learning the ropes. Unfortunately, it often comes with a dent or two. But be patient and allow them to learn the skills. In time, the inexperience will develo ... read more

Summer Safety Tips for Teens It’s finally here! Your summer break has started, and you can’t wait to load your friends into the car and head out to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. At Waterloo Automotive, we say go for it! You’ve worked hard and you deserve a break. Just be safe in the meantime. Because we care about our customers, we encourage you to use wisdom when you’re behind the wheel and remember that there are other drivers out there counting on you to be responsible. Consumer Reports recently published a great list of driving tips for teenagers. Check out their top 10 below: Buckle up. Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and the majority of teens involved in fatal crashes are unbelted. Put down the phone. Sixteen percent of all teen drivers involved in fatal crashes are distracted. Texting or talking on the phone combined with inexperience behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. Plus, it ... read more