New Years Resolutions To My Car
“I promise to stick to these New Years Resolutions”
- Schedule 6 monthly check-ups
Seasonal maintenance should maximise your car or vans fuel efficiency and performance. Bonus: a trained technician can spot potential problems early, nipping costly repairs in the bud.
- Stay on top of fluids
Staying hydrated is probably on your New Years fitness resolutions but it’s crucial for your car too. Check your car’s fluids monthly (mark it on your calendar), and stay on top of oil (change every 5000 miles), coolant, brake and clutch fluids. Pop in to see us if you need help locating any of these.
- Get my brakes inspected
A car’s braking system is incredibly complex, with several parts that can cause issues if not correctly maintained — from the fluid to the pads. That’s why it’s important to have the brake system inspected on a regular basis, particularly after winter when the brakes may have been used a lot in wintry conditions
- Test my battery before and after winter
The cold temperatures of winter can have a negative impact on some car batteries, and as a result, a significant drop in power output. If your car’s battery is over five years old, we’d recommend checking its charge before, during and after winter.
- Be a fuel-efficient driver
Relax behind the wheel. Aggressive driving and speeding can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent. Slowing down, giving yourself more time and planning your routes ahead of time are just a few of the many things you can do to save money and fuel, and lower your vehicle’s emissions.
- Kick my idling habit
New Year’s is a great time to start kicking bad habits like unnecessary idling; It’s bad for your wallet, your vehicle, the environment and the health of people around you. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to warm up your car is to drive it at a moderate speed.
- Check my tire pressures
Your tires need special attention during winter. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, therefore adding to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature.
- Stop ignoring warning lights
If you’re the type who ignores the ‘check engine’ light (“It always does that!”), resolve to bring your car in for service at the first sign instead. Let a technician determine what’s up and diagnose the fault.