Today’s piece is by guest blogger, Daniel Sherwin. Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.
Driving may seem like a no-brainer but it also requires a great deal of responsibility. This responsibility increases many times over when children are added to the equation, not to mention expenses. It goes without saying that new parents definitely have their work cut out for them. However, it’s nothing that can’t be surmounted by being prepared and informed. Consider these cost-effective tips to keep your family safe on the road.
Get regular maintenance and turn to Groupon Coupons
While you’re not required to be a grease monkey to drive a car, you do have to oversee its upkeep and general well-being. At the very least, this entails staying on top of your car’s regular maintenance schedule and keeping service records. You also need to be able to monitor tire pressure, check fluids like oil and anti-freeze, and observe battery health. Not only do these measures decrease the likelihood of damage and costly repairs, but more importantly, they also keep the vehicle road-worthy and safe.
Of course, vehicle maintenance and repairs have been known to cost an arm and a leg but there are always ways to save money. One way to do so is by checking Groupon listings in your local area for deals on oil changes, battery and tire replacements and repair, and more. With Groupon codes, you could even find general car maintenance services from your local auto care centers at prices that don’t break the bank.
Get a car seat
There’s no question that you need a car seat when driving small children. In fact, irrefutable data illustrates how car seats reduce the risk of injury to kids in car-related incidents by a whopping 71 to 82 percent. As such, car seats are required by law in the United States, and there are regulations firmly in place that govern their correct use. Car seats are particularly important during the winter, when rain and snow increase the chance of a fatal accident by 34 percent. First, you need to get a car seat that’s appropriate for your child’s age. A rear-facing car seat is required for newborns and toddlers up to 4 years old, while the front-facing kind is best for young children up to 6 years. Older kids may also need booster seats.
Secondly, a car seat needs to meet safety standards. Bear in mind that “expensive” doesn’t automatically translate to “safe.” As tempting as it might be to cut costs and get a used one, this is highly discouraged. Thankfully, there are resources available where you can get car seats for less—even free—so it’s a good idea to start there.
Get car insurance
With insurance comes peace of mind. Unfortunately, with the cost of car insurance these days, it may feel like you’re being made to pay through the nose for this peace of mind. Family car insurance, in particular, can be quite tricky as it’s dynamic and dependent on various factors that need to be considered. If your family has more than one vehicle, however, you could qualify for a multi-car discount if you meet certain criteria. It’s also important to choose a reputable insurance company, one that has strong financial stability and sports solid reviews from customers. Fortunately, there are many resources online that can easily provide this type of information in one easy-to-use location.
Get in the zone
The best things in life are free, and so are the best ways of keeping your children safe on the road. Remember that your kids are safest in the back seat, firmly buckled up away from airbags. You must also never drive when you’re tired or distracted. Most importantly, never take unnecessary chances on the road that could endanger your precious cargo.
Suffice it to say, car safety is one of your most important jobs as a parent. By taking it seriously, you’re not only setting an example, but you avoid unnecessary expenses, too.
Maintenance is the number one thing that you should think about when it comes to your car, as they say prevention is better than cure.
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