A car is the most expensive thing that we buy. It is also one of the most complicated and demanding in terms of maintenance and repairs. But the worst part is that we usually consider our car as a “hunk of metal” and do not monitor it properly.
That leads to some serious consequences. Our bad habits on the road lead to accidents which can be quite costly, especially if you are underage, unemployed, or on a fixed income.
As we roll into spring, many of us make it a point to give our vehicles a thorough cleaning and an oil change—a necessary ritual before the warmer weather. But while we have our auto repair service, why not make a few New Year’s resolutions for your vehicle?
We often focus on the big stuff, so here’s a list of five easy resolutions for your car that you should make before the end of March.
Spruce up your car with these five resolutions
- Keep Your Car Organized
- Rotate Your Tires
- Check Your Fluids
- Get Ahead on Car Repairs
- Keep Your Documents Organized
1) Keep Your Car Organized
It’s easy for your car to become a catch-all, from the floor mats covered with sand and broken glass from that drive through the car wash (who knew?) to that collection of papers and receipts on your passenger seat. If any of those paper scraps end up smudging your windshield, you’ll be glad you transferred them to the glove compartment.
A couple of clasp on the wall of your garage will keep lug wrenches and jumper cables from becoming a tangled mess, as well as make those tools easy to grab as needed.
2) Rotate Your Tires
Periodically rotating your tires is a great way to avoid wear and tear on your car. Your car’s manual should indicate how often these rotations should happen, as this will vary depending on the kind of driving you to do.
Tire rotation is significant in the winter. Make sure, with the help of an auto mechanic shop near you, ensure your vehicle will be able to grip snowy roads properly.
Pro tip: make sure to check the spare tire as well!
3) Check Your Fluids
Doing some simple checkups can keep you from getting stranded by an empty washer fluid tank or a dying battery. This is important in winter when many of us neglect to check on our car’s status for months at a time.
At the very least, check your oil every time you fill-up with gas. Even better is to do a full vehicle inspection once a month. That way, if there are any issues in auto repair service, you’ll have time to deal with them before they become major problems.
4) Get Ahead on Car Repairs
Whether you’re fixing that irritating rattle in the trunk or changing out that wiper blade that’s been missing for months, having a handy-dandy checklist on hand can help you prevent those “Oh no!” moments when your vehicle is determined to malfunction.
A simple list with the most common services like the oil change service your car needs will ensure that you never find yourself stranded with a dead battery or an engine that just won’t start.
5) Keep Your Documents Organize
We all know that paper clutter can easily accumulate in the vehicle of even the most well-organized person. So clear out that glove compartment, organize the papers by type (insurance, registration), and keep all of your crucial documents in a safe place.
Conclusion
Keeping our car organized, rotating the tires, and checking the fluids will definitely give us headache-free driving. It’s also important to note that getting ahead on auto repairs can help you save money as well. So now that you know your resolutions for your cargo out there enjoy those summer road trips!
With these resolutions, your car will be running smoother in no time—and you’ll have more money to save or consume on the fun stuff!