Your Car’s New Year Resolution

Today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs last longer, run better, and require far less maintenance than those made just fifteen years ago. Because of this, drivers often forget that even the best-made vehicles need regular maintenance and TLC. So, if it could talk, what resolutions would your vehicle make for the new year? Here are ten items that your ride might ask you to take care of over the next 12 months.

Resolution Number One – Change the Oil Regularly

Most automakers recommend changing the oil about every three to six thousand miles or so. But, thanks to modern synthetic lubricants, you may be able to go as high as 10,000 miles. Keep a log and be sure to change your car’s oil on a semi-annual (for average to heavier drivers) or an annual schedule.

Resolution Number Two – Change the Windshield Wipers Twice a Year

Even if you have barely used them, your windshield wipers will dry out over time. Consider using low-cost wipers or refills and changing them two or three times a year, as opposed to buying expensive wipers once a year. Also, keep in mind that the older bracket-type windshield wipers work better than new beam-style blades for removing ice and snow from the windshield.

Resolution Number Three – Check the Tire Pressure

Driving habits, road conditions, and weather all affect your vehicle’s tire pressure. It’s impossible to visually observe if a tire has the proper pressure just by looking at it. Always use a gauge to check the tires. And always fill them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Resolution Number Four – Get the Wheels Aligned

Misaligned wheels will decrease fuel economy, provide poor ride quality, and cause tires to wear unevenly. So, even if you don’t notice a problem, add a wheel alignment to the annual maintenance schedule, anyway.

Resolution Number Five – Rotate the Tires

Front and rear tires wear differently because of the fact that the front wheels are constantly turning from side to side. If you rotate your car’s tires at least once a year, the front and rear tires will wear more evenly, especially on the edges. Rotating the tires on an annual basis is one of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your rubber.

Resolution Number Six – Do a Stress-Test on the Battery in the Fall

Summer heat and extra power needed for the air conditioner put tremendous stress on your car’s battery. Often, the damage to the battery doesn’t become obvious until the worst possible moment – when you are out in the freezing cold and really need your vehicle to start. The Fall is the perfect time to give your battery a checkup.

Resolution Number Seven – Replace the Engine Air Filter

Most automakers recommend replacing the engine air filter every fifteen to thirty-thousand miles. For many drivers, that works out to every other year or so. However, if you drive more than 15,000-miles each year, do a lot of city driving, or live in an arid or dusty climate, then consider changing the engine air filter at least once each year.

Resolution Number Eight – Replace the Cabin Air-Filter

In more recent years, manufacturers have been installing cabin air filters in their vehicles. Cabin air filters remove moisture, dust, and even mites from the atmosphere inside your car. A new cabin filter will also help improve HVAC performance, filter out allergy-causing pollen, and eliminate odors. Change the cabin air filter if your car takes on a musty odor or at least once a year, at minimum.

Resolution Number Nine – Get a Tune-Up

Years ago, almost every vehicle on the road required regular tune-ups to run smoothly. But, since the advent of electronic ignition and fuel injection, a tune-up nowadays means checking the brakes, belts, hoses, and fluid levels, and maybe replacing the spark plugs.

Resolution Number Ten – Stop at the Car Wash

No matter how much you enjoy giving your ride a bath every Sunday, only a commercial car wash can thoroughly clean your car’s undercarriage. If left on too long, road salt, ice melt, and mud may lead to rust and corrosion.

Of course, your vehicle can not make new year’s resolutions but, you can. Sticking with these ten will not only keep your car, truck, or SUV humming along, it will save you time and money in the long run.