Car Battery Mt Wellington – As you sit down to come up with your own personal resolutions, we offer New Year’s Resolutions for your vehicle below. We want your life’s path to be smooth in the new year. A car owner with a smooth ride will provide just that.
1. Check and Change Your Oil
Part of maintaining a healthy vehicle is making sure it is properly lubricated. Get routine oil changes and check oil levels frequently (every month). Changing oil regularly is vital; otherwise you’re risking permanent damage to your vehicle.
Make this the year you make the habit of checking your oil level frequently. While some people may recommend checking your oil every time you refill the gas tank, once a month will do the trick. Set a reminder on your phone so you never forget this important car maintenance task.
2. Learn How to Change a Tire
Every car owner should make the resolution to learn how to change his or her own vehicle’s tire. Sure, calling roadside assistance is great, but what if you don’t have AA, cell service, or your membership expired? There might always come a time when you need to know this important skill.
Ask family members to join you for the lesson, especially if you have a new driver in the family. Together you will all enter the new year with a new skill and a safer ride.
3. Take Care of Your Tyres
It is very obvious when you have a flat tyre. But it could be less obvious when your tyres are low, worn, or ready to be replaced. When your tyre is under-inflated, your gas mileage goes down and your risk for a flat goes up. When the tire is over-inflated, you run the risk of a dangerous blow-out. It’s time to use your tire gauge and find out how much air you need to put back in.
Petrol service stations as well as local tyre stores will usually fill up your tyres for free. All you to do is take the time to notice.
If there is uneven wear on your tires, it may be time for a tyre rotation, wheel alignment, or both. This is when you should probably have your car serviced by a professional.
4. Drive Safely
Do not text while driving! This is extremely careless. If you must use your phone on the road, use a hands-free device and don’t take any calls during hazardous driving conditions. Don’t write down notes or look up things on your phone while driving. If you must place a call, do so at a red light, stop sign, or parking space.
Deaths from car accidents are often the most preventable – remember how important it is to all parties on the road to stay vigilant and focused. Everyone wants to get home safely. Vow to drive safer this New Year.
5. Learn How to Jump-Start a Vehicle
Are you the person who sees someone stranded on the side of the road and drives by hoping that a more capable person with the correct tools can come to the rescue? Even though jump-starting a dead battery is very easy to do, too many people rely on AA or a generous driver to come to the rescue.
Everybody should know how to jump-start a flat battery. Not only can you save your own hide, but you can also come to the rescue for someone else.
Be extra careful and make sure the jumper cables are connected to the right areas! There is a risk of electrocution. Red = positive. Black = negative.
6. Check Fluids & Follow Maintenance Schedule
Professional maintenance is necessary to keep your car running properly all year. This includes fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, and general inspections.
Check your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule. If you lost yours, Google it.
By regularly checking your car’s fluid levels and replacing them as necessary, you can ward off most car repairs.
- Motor Oil: check monthly.
- Transmission Fluid: check monthly.
- Coolant (Antifreeze): check twice a year.
- Brake Fluid: check every time you change your oil.
- Power Steering Fluid: check monthly.
- Windshield Wiper Fluid: check monthly.
Set calendar reminders on your phone and make notes of levels. Replacement schedules vary by car, so double check your owner’s manual rather than relying on what your mechanic has to say.
As an added resolution to the New Year, once you’ve mastered the mechanical and essential, attempting to keep your car clean is the cherry on top!