Let Your New Teen Driver Travel Confidently With Chevy’s Teen Driver Technology

You probably remember the first time you took off down the road with no one in the car. There was probably a tinge of apprehension, but the freedom of the open road quickly erased it. However, you might not have realized the anxiety of those you left behind, crossing their fingers that you would remember everything they’d taught you about driving safety. That is until your teen starts driving, and you begin to imagine how your parents felt when it was you behind the steering wheel. Chevy’s Teen Driver Technology might not remove your worries as your teen starts spreading their wings, but it can give you peace of mind.

In addition, knowing your teen is driving one of America’s longest-running automotive brands, ranking high in quality and safety across their vehicles, helps to ease your concerns. If you’re curious about Teen Driver Technology and the best options for your new driver, stop by our lot today. At DePaula Chevrolet, we’re your premier Chevy dealer near Catskill and beyond. Our knowledgeable sales team can walk you through each option and take the time to answer your questions so you feel confident in the vehicle you choose for your teen.

What Is Teen Driver Technology?

Teen Driver Technology is an innovative system that lets you adjust your teen’s driving experience while giving you and your teen feedback about their driving habits. It was designed to help you monitor their actions while driving, educate them, and increase their driving knowledge. With the industry’s only teen driving report card, you have the information you need to teach your child how to be a responsive and safe driver.

This technology exists in most Chevrolet models, from sedans to SUVs and trucks, giving you a wide variety of vehicles to choose from when purchasing their first car. The system is easy to set up using a PIN you create, a vehicle key, and the vehicle’s Infotainment Display. This registers the key to your teen. When they turn on the vehicle, it recognizes the key and activates the system with the parameters you created when setting up the system. You can change the settings easily by accessing the system whenever you want.

Now that you know how to set it up, let’s look at some of its features. The first thing your teen will be prompted to do when starting the car is put on their seatbelt. If they try to shift into drive without their seatbelt on, the system will provide them with visual and audible alerts while also preventing them from shifting for 20 seconds. Additionally, you can set a speed limit and volume control. The report card function will let you know if they received warnings for exceeding the speed limits, how many times traction control was enabled, the total mileage they drove, and more. If you notice things like Forward Collision Alerts, you can talk with them about maintaining a safe distance and keeping an eye on the road.

It’s important to fully listen to your teen when discussing the report card. After all, they’re not the only ones on the road, and you know that things sometimes happen beyond your control when driving. Still, if you notice consistent alerts, it might be a good idea to consider a safe driving course or more one-on-one training. The system will work best when you use it as a positive teaching moment.

What Chevy Vehicles Are a Good Option for Your Teen?

At DePaula Chevrolet, we have a wide variety to choose from when purchasing your teen’s first vehicle. You might want to focus on the driver-assisted features that can provide extra traction control during Catskill winters or systems that focus on crash prevention, especially when the roads are busier in the warmer months. If your teen travels to Albany or into New York City, you’ll also want a vehicle that is fuel efficient and offers roadside assistance, just in case. With these things in mind, consider the following options.

The Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes an array of safety features from Automatic Emergency Braking to Forward Collision Alert. It even provides Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning to keep your teen centered in their lane. The Chevy Malibu offers excellent fuel efficiency with 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway with its standard 1.5L engine. In addition, the Chevy Malibu was the 2022 Highest Ranked Midsize Care in Initial Quality by J.D. Power and received five stars by NHTSA in 2023 for Frontal Crash Protection and a four-star Rollover Review.

Your teen will enjoy a seamless connection to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available Alexa Built-In feature. This allows them to play their favorite podcast or listen to their playlist with the simple touch of a button. Depending on the trim option, wireless charging and rear seat USB ports are also available.

The Chevy Trailblazer

To give your teen a better view of the road, you might consider an SUV. This will also give them better traction during the winter, with available drive modes that include a Snow option with the front-wheel drive Trailblazer. You’ll also enjoy that the Trailblazer is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick in 2022. The Trailblazer offers more than just traction control; you also get 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, plus a maximum cargo volume of 54.4 cu.ft. This is significant if your teen has sporting or band equipment, is heading to Rip Van Winkle Bridge to hike with friends, or if you need them to pick up a few groceries while they’re out.

Like the Malibu, the Trailblazer comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist. Your teen will also get the same connectivity options, including a standard 7-inch digital color touchscreen on the lower trims that increases to 8 inches as you move up the trim line. The top trims also offer options like heated driver and passenger seats as well as a heated steering wheel for chilly mornings.

The Chevy Equinox

Another SUV option for your teen driver is the Chevy Equinox. Like the two above, it offers driver-assisted features through Chevy Safety Assist and keeps your teen connected when they’re on the go. Depending on the trim, you can choose from four Driver Convenience Packages that offer enhanced safety features, a Power Programmable Liftgate, Remote Start, and more.

All three options give you the added confidence of Teen Driver Technology as well as the capability to access OnStar, which offers added security and protection through a subscription plan. No matter which Chevy you choose for your new driver, you can breathe a bit easier knowing they are driving a vehicle with cutting-edge safety and technology.

Teen Driver Technology Will Provide the Peace of Mind You’re Looking For

When you’re ready to explore options for your teen, stop by our dealership to talk with our team. We will take the time to explain each safety feature and give you an overview of Teen Safety Technology. We can also introduce you to our GM Certified Models and discuss our DePaula Pre-Owned Promise, with includes a rigorous 139-point comprehensive inspection, free CARFAX vehicle history, and a 90-day/4,000 mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty if you decide that a used vehicle is the choice for you. Whatever you choose, we have your teen’s first vehicle waiting for you.