“New Year, New Me!” We’ve all heard it before, and many of us have attempted to follow through. It can be hard to commit to a new routine and pattern, but with a little flexibility, reasonable expectations, and attainable goals? We certainly do believe you can do it! There’s nothing wrong with a list of reasonable resolutions, especially when they’re centered on car maintenance. This year, why not set your goals to a small but manageable list of achievements? This will save you plenty of time and money in the long run, and certainly in the new year of 2023! Let’s work together and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and safe on the road with these great resolutions for car owners.
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Check and Change Your Oil Regularly.
You should be checking your car’s oil levels monthly, and scheduling routine oil changes at your mechanic. You should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but check the levels more frequently than that.
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Cease Your Penchant for Distracted Driving.
Distracted Driving isn’t just about texting behind the wheel! All sorts of things can take your attention away from the road where it belongs, and in just a moment it can change everything! Make a goal to reduce your desires to pick up your phone, look at an app, post to social media, put on makeup or do your hair, or reach and turn behind you for something.
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Learn How to Change a Tire.
If you don’t have a membership to AAA or your insurance doesn’t cover roadside assistance, this can be the best “trick” you’ll ever learn as a car owner. Check out this video from Bridgestone Tires for an easy lesson, or ask your local mechanic or car-enthusiast friend to show you how. Remember to engage the parking brake for safety. Make sure you have a spare tire, tire iron, and tire repair kit in your vehicle at all times!
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Learn How to Jump Start Your Vehicle.
This skill is absolutely vital especially in extreme weather circumstances! The last thing you want to deal with is being stranded due to a faulty or weak/dead battery, and attempting to learn this on the fly in the blazing heat of summer or frigid icy winter. At the very least, remember: Red = Positive, Black = Negative. It’s also a good idea to get a portable car battery charger in case there are not any other vehicles around, and also in case of emergency during the pandemic. Here’s an easy video lesson!
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Reduce Clutter and Keep Your Vehicle Clean both inside and out.
We’ve all been there! You’re on the road and stop for coffee...only to realise the old one is still in your cupholder. “I’ll throw it away later” you say as you fling it into the abyss of the backseat never to be seen again. Get on out there and tidy up that interior, right now! Throw out your old receipts from the gas station or convenience store. Toss old or expired gift cards. Get rid of the gunky latte cups and half-drank water bottles. Then wipe down and disinfect your car and give it a nice vacuuming! Going into the new year, make it a resolution and a new habit to bring in a bag of trash with you each time you leave your car.
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Organize your vehicle’s paperwork in a safe place.
Go through the glove box and center console, and make sure all of your car paperwork is in order. Request duplicate copies of your insurance and registration cards (keep one set in the car, one in your wallet, and one in a lockbox/safe in your home.) Make sure to log and organize your car maintenance records as well; it’s important to know the history of your car care for future reference or when selling your car to a new owner.