New Year’s Resolutions for Being a Better Vehicle Owner

Jan 2, 2024

Out with the old, and in with the new! Let’s make 2024 the year we all resolve to become better car owners and stay on top of our vehicle maintenance schedules. Here’s some great tips to get you started on the right foot. These are six easy tips will get you started, but you’re welcome to share your own in the comments section on our social media, too!

Keep your car clean! Make sure you follow the ol’ campground rules of “Bring it in, bring it out.” Whatever you bring into your car, be it a cup of coffee, a bag of fast food, or even just some protein bar wrappers, remember to clear the trash out each time you leave your vehicle. Consider purchasing a portable trash can or trash bag for your car to stow the refuse while you’re on the road, too.
Make an effort to end distracted driving habits! Statistics show that an average of 9 people are killed by distracted driving every day. Distracted driving is causing an increase in accidents with severe bodily injury and even death. Forget about filming videos for TikTok and Reels. There’s no need to update Facebook while en route. You’ll have plenty of time to chat with your favorite people when you get to where you’re going, and so will the other drivers and pedestrians who share the road with you! That text or phone call can wait until you’ve safely reached your destination. Best to keep your eyes and ears on the road, and your phone safely stowed away. If you must answer a call or message, utilize hands-free methods like talk-to-text via your infotainment center, or speaker phone and voice command options. But it’s best if you leave it.
Create a Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for your vehicle. Most vehicles have average mileage checkpoints for service calls such as oil changes, tune-ups, and brakes, but some models may have additional requirements. Hybrid and Electric vehicles also have their own unique maintenance needs that combustion engine vehicles may not have. Consult your owner’s manual and create a handy checklist of your vehicle’s basic maintenance requirements and their mileage. A great way to do this is by utilizing a white board or an app like Google Sheets or Notion. Keeping a monthly and yearly checklist can help you notice problems and patterns before they balloon into something very costly to repair!
Schedule regular oil changes. Keeping your engine lubricated with clean, fresh oil is a must! Skipping oil changes can lead to dirty oil, stalling engines, and poor fuel mileage among other things. Vehicles generally need an oil change between 3,000-6,000 miles; mileage requirements depend on the type of oil, type of engine, and other factors. Consult your vehicle manufacturer manual for exact mileage requirements and create calendar reminders on your smartphone to keep you in check!
Learn how to perform basic vehicle emergency tasks. A great way to stay safe on the road is by making sure you know how to stay cool in an emergency situation. Learning how to change a tire or put on a donut can save you a lot of time, stress, and money if you get a flat or have a leak. Learning how to jump-start your car is another vital lifeskill, and thanks to portable battery jump chargers, you don’t even have to worry bout flagging down another driver or waiting for a tow. Be prepared no matter what by packing a duffle bag of emergency supplies such as duct tape, first aid kit, reflector flares or hazard triangles, a flashlight, fire extinguisher, and multi-tool (just to name a few!)
Don’t ignore those warning lights on the dash! We know it’s scary when your dash lights start illuminating and little symbols flash across the gauge cluster, but we promise you it’s much scarier to wait it out. Our friendly auto body shop team is here to help. If you see any blinking, static, or intermittent warning lights in your car, we’ll be happy to perform an assessment and evaluate your vehicle’s needs. It might be something smaller than you’re anticipating! Sometimes it’s as simple as a loose wire or a sensor, but in case of larger issues, it’s better to bring it in for service sooner instead of complicating the situation by delaying.