5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

Most New Year’s resolutions are tied to our health and lifestyle. To keep these types of resolutions, it’s helpful to have reliable transportation. Why not make a few New Year resolutions for your car while you’re at it? We recommend these five resolutions for your car that will ensure peak performance when you need it most.

1.     Perform Monthly Maintenance

Lots of parts in your car go through wear and tear in daily use. These components need to be in good condition for your car to drive smoothly. According to auto experts, performing monthly car maintenance can keep many car problems at bay. Every month, keep an eye on your air filter, hoses, belts, tire pressure, coolant, and oil level. When your air filters get dirty, replace them. Most cars need an oil change every three months, and top off your other fluids like transmission oil and brake oil.

2.     Keep Your Car Clean

Between traveling from work to home, you might forget to clean your car, especially the inside. Make sure you keep the car’s cabin clean and remove any garbage or junk lying inside. Clean the upholstery and seats with a vacuum cleaner. Dedicate a day every month to clean the inside of your car, not just the outside. Spilled drinks, food crumbs, and dirt make your car’s cabin look and smell bad. Routine cabin cleaning can prevent stains and odor from setting and becoming permanent.

3.     Address Minor Problems Early

Whether it’s a fused bulb, cracked window, or weird noise, make sure you address all problems early. Fixing the problem early will prevent it from getting worse and costing you more. Minor problems are fairly cheap to fix. However, minor problems turn into major problems if you ignore them for too long.  

4.     Follow the Tire Rotation Schedule

Front tires wear faster than rear tires because they face a lot of pressure when the car turns. Tire rotation is essential for ensuring your tires wear evenly. You can get tires rotated every three months when you take your car for an oil change. Check your vehicle’s handbook for tire rotation recommendations from the car manufacturer. Also, follow the tire rotating pattern recommended in the handbook to extend tire life.

5.     Drive Smarter

Bad driving habits can make a car age faster. If you brake too hard, the brake pads will wear out faster and harm the tires. With this new year, make a commitment to drive smarter for you and your car’s health. Here are some ways to get started:

·       Accelerate at a moderate pace.

·       Drive lighter. Don’t weigh down your car with lots of cargo too often.

·       Follow the speed limit.

·       Let your car warm up before you start your drive.

Keeping these resolutions for your car can save you time, money, and lots of headaches in the long run.