2022 is almost here, and now is the perfect time to figure out your resolutions for the New Year. A resolution is a promise to do better in the coming year, and we can all work on our car habits. So give your ride the gift of a few resolutions to make it reliable for longer.
Drive Safely
One of the best resolutions you can make for yourself and others on the road is to improve your driving. An excellent resolution is to ditch your road rage. Doing so can be done by driving defensively. Defensive driving includes increasing your attention to the road. Drive slow and keep to the speed limit to increase your reaction time. Limit distractions in the car by lowering the radio, turning off your phone notifications, and eating before your trips. One of the best defensive driving tips is not expecting others to do what you would do. This mentality will help you be careful of others driving next to you and make the best decisions on the road in 2022.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is your best defense against severe problems down the road. Make a schedule and stick to it. Change your oil every 5,000 miles or every six months unless otherwise described by your owner’s manual. You should also check your tires regularly. Skipping oil changes can take years off your car in the future.
While you may tell when you have a flat, it can be less noticeable when your tires are worn or ready to be replaced. Under-inflated tires often lead to lower gas mileage and a higher risk of flat tires, while overinflated tires often risk blowouts. Learn how to gauge your tire pressure with a digital or dial-type gauge for the most accurate reading. In addition to tire pressure, also notice the tire tread. Try the penny method to see how deep the tread is and gauge if you should rotate or replace those tires.
If you find anything fishy during your maintenance check, do not hesitate to bring it in for any repairs. The durability of your car may depend on it.
Follow a Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning out your car can have fantastic side effects. You will feel better inside your vehicle, which may, in return, help you make better driving decisions. Removing any extra weight also improves your gas mileage significantly. Create a schedule to reap these rewards and clean out your car weekly. You can even go further by vacuuming the material surfaces and detailing your vehicle.
Your exterior needs some extra love too. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can bring your car to a drive-thru car wash. If you would instead roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, you can always wash it at home with a hose and soap. You can commit to taking it a step further by not only cleaning your car’s exterior but also preserving its condition. A Ceramic Pro coating is a flexible glass shield to increase the hardness of your paint and give it self-cleaning properties. This coating will prevent minor scratches to the clear coat and give your ride a shine that is sure to be noticed. Find a location near you to protect your ride this year!