It’s the beginning of the new year — a time for fresh starts and new projects. A time when many people look for ways to improve their health and general lifestyle. You have probably made a few New Year’s resolutions for yourself by now…. don’t stop there…. if you own a car, here are some promises you can make to keep your vehicle in good condition and avoid breakdowns:
8 – Check and change fluids and filters
Many fluids and oils are required for the operation and protection of vehicle systems and components. Checking fluid levels regularly – and having filters and fluids replaced at recommended intervals – helps to ensure that your vehicle runs dependably and extends vehicle life. Neglecting to check and change your oil is like neglecting to put fresh food and nourishment into your own body.
7 – Take cognisance of warning lights
Vehicle warning lights are important to understand, because they could be alerting you to a serious problem and if you ignore these signs, you could cause excessive damage to your vehicle. These warning lights are usually an indication that you need some vehicle maintenance or a car service. Disregarding an illuminated Check Engine light, for example, can result in serious engine trouble and costly repairs. At the very least, the warning light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy, such as an improperly secured fuel cap. Other warning lights have similar important functions. Don’t ignore them in the hope that the problem will go away.
6 – Inspect my vehicle’s tyres
Tyres are probably the most neglected and yet the most important safety-critical item on any motor vehicle. Your vehicle’s tyres should be checked frequently for damage, inflation pressure and tread depth. Under inflated tyres can wear out more quickly, needing to be replaced sooner, and can negatively impact safety, fuel economy and performance. Damaged tyres are a high safety risk, as are worn tyres.
5 – Follow a service schedule
By closely following a vehicle service schedule, you can maintain your vehicle’s resale value and can improve its performance. Many car parts and components wear out or become damaged over time, vehicles need to be routinely serviced to perform optimally. Routine inspections and timely repairs will help keep your car running efficiently and will help you to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
4 – Check wiper blades
Replace your wiper blades when they begin to look worn. Driving in heavy rain is bad enough without a wiper blade self-destructing in the middle of the storm.
3 – Keep your car clean, polished, vacuumed, and smelling great
It just looks better to have a clean car. Aside from the aesthetics, having a clean car will assist in ensuring your vehicle is always in the best-operating condition. A clean engine for example will assist in eliminating faults resulting from dirt or chemical build-up. Allowing your vehicle to go too long without a wash leads to a build-up of damaging chemicals and dirt and increases the potential for rust. Also, dirty windows interfere with proper visibility which is needed for safe driving.
2 – Drive more carefully
Whether it’s stop-and-go traffic, extreme weather, rough roads or heavy loads, it can sometimes be difficult to limit severe driving conditions. However, you can drive smart (and more carefully) and improve fuel economy by observing the speed limit, avoiding fast pull offs and sharp, aggressive braking, and driving as safely as possible in accordance with prevailing traffic and weather conditions. Do not allow yourself to be distracted (by mobile phones, or anything else). Practice patience and ALWAYS buckle up.
And the last promise you should make to your car…
1 – If you ever break down or need a service, book your car into a motus.cars workshop.
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