January 1st is swooping in fast, and it’s that time of year to set new resolutions.
Do you have your New Year’s resolutions listed out?
Or do you not believe in New Year’s resolutions?
Whichever way you lean, don’t forget about that important four-wheeled engineering marvel parked in your garage — your car. After all, if you’re reading this, you probably put it to good use regularly.
Besides taking good care of yourself, the new year is the perfect time to start taking good care of your car. Here are some goals you can set and easily maintain throughout 2023:
1. Clean Your Car Regularly
While keeping your car clean seems like a no-brainer, getting it actually done can be challenging, with work and life getting in the way. But the benefits of keeping your car spiffy truly outweigh the effort.
Your paint job will last longer, for one. You’ll likely catch issues with your car faster, too, since it’s easier to spot a leak if your car is usually clean. Not to mention the mental peace you get from a neat, nice-smelling interior.
2. Get Small Issues Fixed Earlier
Speaking of minor issues, it’s often better to get these resolved before they grow into larger, more expensive problems.
Looking to save money in the long term?
Get that motor oil leak fixed before your engine overheats and needs an overhaul.
Get that malfunctioning rear brake light changed before someone misjudges your slowing speed and rear-ends your bumper.
We think you’ve got the picture.
3. Remember to Use Your Turn Signals
Your car has signal lights for a reason: to help other drivers know your intentions. If you don’t use them, someone behind you won’t know you’re changing lanes, and someone coming towards you won’t know you’re going to cross their path to make a turn.
Both scenarios can turn into an unfortunate and expensive disaster.
4. Don’t Hog the Fast Lane
Continuing on turn signals, don’t forget to use them when you switch lanes to pass. And once you’re done passing, make sure to switch back to the slower lane.
There’s always going to be someone faster than you. It’s good manners and responsible driving to allow others to pass, and you’ll find that it’s less stressful when you contribute to smoother traffic flow.
5. Avoid Distractions While Driving
Another point in the direction of responsible driving is to minimize distractions.
When we say distractions, that means don’t text while driving and don’t make phone calls either (unless you use a hands-free setup). But that’s not the end of the list. Reaching for stuff, grooming, or eating while driving also distracts your attention from the most important thing — the road.
It only takes a second of distraction for a mishap to happen.
6. Find Your Zen on the Road
Did you know that anger can be a form of distraction too?
When you’re angry, your judgment tends to be impaired. Being triggered by the slightest annoyances can lead to aggressive driving, road rage, and potential fender-benders.
So, the next time someone cuts you off or forgets to use their signal light, stay calm.
If staying calm doesn’t come easy, think of something funny that could have caused the other driver’s behavior — maybe they urgently needed a toilet break. Laughter wins over anger any day.
The point is, you can’t control how others behave, but you can always get a handle on your own reactions. And keeping your zen will likely keep you safe on the road.
7. Keep Up with Scheduled Maintenance
You know how you should get regular medical checkups?
Well, your car needs regular checkups too. And the more consistent you are with scheduled maintenance, the better condition your vehicle will stay in. This means getting an oil change, having your brakes and battery checked, your tires cared for, and switching out your air filter.
This one is probably one of the easiest goals to hit and takes minimal effort on your part.
All you have to do is set a reminder on your phone and bring your car to your mechanic. Even better, get a mobile mechanic to drop by your driveway, and it’ll be a done deal!