6 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Car

Mechanics Royal Oak – It’s the beginning of the new year — a time for fresh starts and new projects. People are planning their New Year’s Resolutions from spending more time with family to joining the local gym. We all have ways in which we want to improve our lives in the upcoming year. As we look to better our lives and those around us, there is one thing that we often take for granted and may not be thinking about — our vehicle.

Our cars are a part of our family; trusty and true for years on end as we drive to school, work, vacation, soccer fields, and countless trips to shopping centers and grocery stores. Unfortunately, they need a lot of maintenance to run smoothly. If your car made it through a tumultuous 2020, here are some important annual car maintenance tasks to think about for 2021. Here are 6 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Car:

1. Check and Change Your Oil

Part of maintaining a healthy vehicle is making sure it is properly lubricated. Get routine oil changes (or change your oil yourself) and check oil levels frequently (every month). Changing oil regularly is vital; otherwise, you’re risking permanent damage to your vehicle.

Make 2021 the year you make the habit of checking your oil level frequently. While some people may recommend checking your oil every time you refill the gas tank once a month will do the trick. Set a reminder on your phone so you never forget this important car maintenance task.

2. Learn How to Change a Tyre

Every car owner should make the resolution to learn how to change his or her own vehicle’s tyre. Sure, calling roadside assistance is great, but what if you don’t have AA, cell service, or your membership expired? There might always come a time when you need to know this important skill.

3. Take Care of Your Tyres

It is very obvious when you have a flat tyre. But it could be less obvious when your tyres are low, worn, or ready to be replaced. When your tyre is underinflated, your gas mileage goes down and your risk for a flat goes up. When the tyre is overinflated, you run the risk of a dangerous blow-out. It’s time to use your tyre gauge and find out how much air you need to put back in.

4. Drive Safely

Do NOT text while driving! This is extremely careless. If you must use your phone on the road, use a hands-free device and don’t take any calls during hazardous driving conditions. Don’t write down notes or look up things on your phone while driving. If you must place a call, do so at a red light, stop sign, or parking space.

5. Learn How to Jump-Start a Vehicle

Are you the person who sees someone stranded on the side of the road and drives by hoping that a more capable person with the correct tools can come to the rescue? Even though jumpstarting a dead battery is very easy to do, too many people rely on AA or a generous driver to come to the rescue. Everybody should know how to jumpstart a dead battery. Not only can you save your own hide, but you can also come to the rescue for someone else.

6. Check Fluids & Follow Maintenance Schedule

Professional maintenance is necessary to keep your car running properly all year. This includes fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, and general inspections. Check your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule. If you lost yours, Google it.

By regularly checking your car’s fluid levels and replacing them as necessary, you can ward off most car repairs.

• Motor Oil: check monthly.
• Transmission Fluid: check monthly.
• Coolant (Antifreeze): check twice a year.
• Brake Fluid: check every time you change your oil.
• Power Steering Fluid: check monthly.
• Windshield Wiper Fluid: check monthly.

Set calendar reminders on your phone and make notes of levels. Replacement schedules vary by car, so double check your owner’s manual rather than relying on what your mechanic has to say.

As an added resolution to the New Year, once you’ve mastered the mechanical and essential, attempting to keep your car clean is the cherry on top. Don’t use your car as a trashcan and keep your car clean from salt, grease, grime, acid rain, sap, dead bugs, and other things that can eat away at your paint and damage your vehicle. This will help you a lot if you ever decide to sell your car.