The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions started over 4,000 years with the Babylonians. They wanted to find favor with the gods and start the year off right. While we don’t have that kind of goal, it is still a good practice to review and remind ourselves of what’s important and what we want to improve. Every area of your life can be improved – your fitness, your finances, etc. Did you ever include a car care resolution on that list? Your car is a very important component of your life to keep you and your family safe. Maybe you should as proper car care can help to keep you safe.
Here’s few items to check for your car care resolution:
Tire Pressure– as the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure. Driving with under inflated tires can be dangerous but on the bright side, it can improve fuel efficiency to have your tires with the proper psi.
Battery– Keep your battery erosion-free. Batteries don’t give warning lights.
Brakes– Have your brakes checked. You don’t have to be reminded on how important it is to have proper brakes.
Oil– Change your oil at regular intervals. Oil is the life blood of your car.
Wiper Blades– Change in temperature can make the rubber on your wiper blades hard and brittle. Torn or cracked blades won’t properly clean your windshield.
Gas tank– Try to have your gas tank at least half full at all times, especially if you live in a colder winter climate. This decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
Headlights– Replace before burnout when possible. The problem is – most drivers don’t know their headlight is out. Driving with a burned out headlight on a dark road poses a risk to both the driver and others.
Spare Tire– Be sure you have your spare tire on your vehicle and not laying in the garage.
Emergency Kit– Try to carry an emergency kit which includes jumper cables, flash light, basic tools, first aid kit, and water supplies – all things to help you survive until help comes to get you back on the road.
Mobile phone– Be sure you have your mobile phone fully charged or carry a back-up battery.
Car Wash– Have your car washed or wash it yourself at least once a month.
Once you follow this list, you will be happier and your car will, too.
