New Year’s is incomplete without setting your new year resolutions. The night cannot end without toasting to our new beginnings for the new year. While most of us will probably try to work harder on our fitness goals, every car lover will revive their vows of showing unconditional care to their vehicles, following a few simple yet evergreen car maintenance tips.
Here are our top 15 New Year’s automotive resolutions to make sure your car is happier than ever in 2022!
1. Stick to your car manual
The owner manual is every car lover’s bible! This is mainly because the “one-size-fits-all” type of care does not work for our vehicles. Beyond the outer shell, every car brand is different in engine performance, mileage, oil intake, etc.
You must go through the manual to know what is suitable for your car; otherwise, you are putting your vehicle in harm’s way—for example, knowing the exact type of oil that its maker recommends.
2. Take it out for a drive regularly
No matter how basic this sounds, taking your car out for a regular drive is actually very helpful in keeping the batteries charged.
But if you’re not in such a situation (say, you’re travelling for 2 – 3 weeks), you can do the following:
- Get a friend’s help, ask them to start the engine and keep it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Detach the batteries before leaving.
3. Handling your car essentials when the engine isn’t running
Avoid leaving the car’s electrical accessories, such as the light or radio, switched on for too long when the engine is not running. It aids in draining the battery. Also, keeping the car’s key in the ignition for an extended period will eventually kill the battery in just a few hours.
4. Don’t jump-start a flat battery
Jump-starting a flat battery is one of the common mistakes most drivers make. It overwhelms the batteries with a sudden excessive flow of current that affects the electronics. We advise that you keep the headlights on to absorb the sudden surge of the electricity. For more inputs, you can refer to your car’s manual.
5. Check the tyre pressure
To nobody’s surprise, a deflated tyre can cause fatal damage to your car. Not only does it diminish the gas mileage, but an under-inflated tyre can cause a dangerous blowout, too.
Tip: Get the tyre pressure checked every time you go for an oil refill.
6. Don’t overload your vehicle
One of the worst mistakes you can make is to overload your vehicle. It can cause an imbalance and also trigger a tyre breakdown. It’s best to refer to your car manual to know how much weight your car can support.
7. Check your spare tyre
Keep a check on the condition of your spare tyre. There’s no point in keeping one if it doesn’t come to your rescue when you truly need it. Things to keep in mind while you manage the spare tyre:
- Check the air pressure.
- Double-check that it doesn’t cause a mismatch when you install it.
The last thing you’d want is to waste money on a tow truck because you forgot to take care of the spare tyre.
8. Check the oil regularly
If the engine is your car’s heart, then the oil is its blood, that keeps them going! In simpler words, oil is essential to keep the engine lubricated and protect it from any internal friction.
Check the owner’s handbook to see how frequently the oil should be changed. You may use a dipstick to check your engine’s oil level if you’re uncertain. Also, if the oil on the dipstick seems to be filthy, it has to be replaced.
9. Change the air filter at regular intervals
The air filter manages air circulation in the engine and protects it from dust & debris.It is particularly helpful while travelling on a dusty route.
10. Check brake pads and rotors
A car’s braking system is mainly dependent on the brake pads and rotors as they help stop the vehicle when you hit the brakes. Therefore make sure they don’t wear out due to the constant friction.
11. Wash the car weekly
Imagine coming back to a clean and dustless car every day! Doesn’t it make you feel relieved and safe? Cleaning your car at least once a week is essential to protect it from the ravages of dust, mud, and grime. It’s important to remember that you should only use a cleaning formula that’s intended for automobiles, since certain home liquid detergents and dish cleansers may damage your car’s paint.
12. Wax at least twice a year
There’s something very attractive about a waxed car. Isn’t there? It’s probably due to the glossy effect that’s common to a brand new car. Aside from making your vehicle look shiny & brand new, car wax also protects it from UV radiation.
We advise that you wax your car at least two times a year.
13. Keep The Car Under Cover
There’s no sure-shot guarantee of safety on a car’s exteriors, which is why it’s best to keep them safe under proper cover and protect it from the ravages of UV radiation, storm, snow, or hail.
Other than that, we all know what a pigeon can do to your car too! A car cover is ideal for shielding your car against such scenarios, especially if you don’t park in a garage.
14. Schedule annual professional detailing
Professional detailing involves thoroughly cleaning your car both inside and out – every last inch of your vehicle that can be cleaned or washed is covered. Sure, it is more costly than a typical car wash, but it’s absolutely worth it. Are you not convinced yet? Getting regular professional detailing work done will make your vehicle look clean and tidy. It may even double your car’s resale value. Actually, professional detailing should be complemented with a waxing service.
15. Scheduling regular car maintenance
All of this can seem a bit too much to always remember. So the most straightforward way will be to bring it to a car service professional. If you live in Christchurch, you should bring your car to our Christchurch workshop for a vehicle service today!