FORKS TWP., Pa. — Young drivers in the greater Easton area will have a hands-on opportunity to learn the essentials of car care at the Drive and Thrive event on Saturday.
The free event, held by Wrechtec Auto Repair and the Forks Business Association, will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3315 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township.
According to Drive and Thrive, the program will attempt to fill a gap between a traditional driver’s education course and the real-world responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Experts will guide new and soon-to-be drivers through a series of live, interactive demonstrations, rotating through stations to learn how to check oil levels, test batteries, jumpstart a car or change a tire.
Also shared will be factors to consider when buying a used car.
The event requires no registration. Organizers are encouraging families to attend together, and there will be plenty of giveaways, including water bottles, food, Italian ices and more.
'Life skills not taught anymore'
According to a MarketWatch survey of 1,100 car owners, 55% of respondents, including those Gen Zs, Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, believe they care for their cars and maintain them to the best of their abilities.
But barely more than half of those in the survey knew how to jumpstart a car (52.1%) or change a tire (55.5%), and only about 43.5% could change engine oil and filter.
And only about 7.5% of Gen Z respondents reported doing most of their vehicle services themselves, compared with 10.1% of Millennials and 11.4% of Gen Xers.
“Our goal with this event is to help young drivers build confidence and feel capable in situations that every vehicle owner will eventually face.”Forks Business Association member
While that MarketWatch report did state that Gen Z shows a better sense of responsibility for vehicle care, opportunities for hands-on practice for basic maintenance are often limited.
Wrenchtec’s Becky Romano said the inspiration for Drive and Thrive stems from the business’s desire to make the community better for everyone.
“We want to grow as a business alongside other businesses in the area," Romano said. "We're all a part of it together.
“We are also hoping that these young kids and adults can learn some of these life skills that are not always taught anymore.”
Forks Business Association member Eric Lubar said the program isn’t just about maintenance, but about instilling a sense of confidence.
“Our goal with this event is to help young drivers build confidence and feel capable in situations that every vehicle owner will eventually face,” Lubar said.
