It’s that time of the year again where people sit down and list every single thing that they commit to doing as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s eve. For the most part, resolutions are made as a promise to oneself that they will work hard to improve their lives in the coming year.
Since cars are a big part of their owners’ lives, it only makes sense to include them in your New Year’s resolutions too. After all, as RAM dealers around Deming, NM, pointed out, being better car owners can help jumpstart your year in the right direction. Here are some New Year’s resolutions that every car owner should make.
Resolve to never neglect your car maintenance. Ever.
This seems like a given, but there’s no lack of drivers who purposely or unintentionally neglect regular car maintenance every year. Maybe it’s because they cannot fit it in their budget or cannot find the perfect time to send their vehicles to a professional mechanic for a thorough checkup.
Either way, this should be the year that you should start taking care of your car seriously. After all, repairs are far more expensive and can cause worse hassle in the long run. Changing oil, brake pads, and your car’s filters are necessary to keep your vehicle running at peak performance. You should also get your tires checked, rotated, and aligned. This would protect you from potential blowouts, especially if you are driving at high speeds or on deserted roads and highways.
Resolve to keep a well-stocked car emergency kit in your trunk.
You need to be prepared for whatever might happen while on the road. A car emergency kit can help you during unexpected car breakdowns until some form of assistance arrives.
Though Dodge dealers near Alamogordo, NM gave different opinions on what a well-stocked car emergency kit must look like, they all agree that it must contain the following items:
- Jumper cables and battery-powered jump starter
- No-spill gas can
- Roadside flares and hazard triangles
- Spare tire, jack, and a flat tire inflation canister
- Basic first aid kit
- Non-perishable food and bottled drinking water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Small multi-purpose tool kit and a roll of duct tape
- Car fire extinguisher
- Seasonal supplies (e.g. extra gloves, boots, rain gear, ice scraper, shovel, etc.)
Resolve to always listen to whatever your car is telling you.
Some drivers tend to ignore the warning lights that keep popping up on their dashboards, hoping that they will soon go away on their own. Unfortunately, the lit warning sign is your car practically yelling at you to visit your trusted auto shop immediately. Ignoring these signs can lead to more significant and more permanent damage. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the different symbols on your dashboard, now is the perfect time to whip out the car owner’s manual and memorize what a lighted sign can mean for your vehicle.
Want to be a better car owner? Check out Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.