2021 New Year’s Resolutions (for Your Vehicle)

So, 2020 is (finally!) in the rear view mirror and the year ahead is an open road, waiting to be travelled.

We know you’ve got big plans for 2021….and if you keep up with these “Vehicle Resolutions” you can be sure your car will be there to take you for the ride.

1. RESOLVE to make auto care a priority. Auto Care includes keeping your vehicle clean, keeping up with maintenance, and even learning some easy DIY emergency care.

Keeping Your Vehicle Clean

Between kids, pets, spills, rain and snow, mud, and trash your car can get pretty messy, pretty quickly.   Keeping your vehicle clean can be extremely difficult, but it is more than aesthetics:  leaving dirt and road chemicals on your vehicle’s exterior can do real damage to your car’s paint, leading to rust problems;  and leaving the inside of your car dirty/messy can lead to nasty smells and can even be dangerous if you’re driving with garbage on the floor.

Keeping up with Maintenance

The most important maintenance issues you’ll need to keep your eyes on are oil changes, tire care, brake pads, air conditioning, and air filter.   It’s important to stay in front of these issues, being proactive as opposed to reactive to prevent a breakdown or component damage

Learn Some DIY Care

Auto Care also means learning how to prepare for the unexpected.  This can include having a Roadside Emergency Kit in the trunk;  renewing your Roadside Assistence plan; learning to change a tire, jump start a vehicle, examine fluids, and replace windshield wipers.  This knowledge will give you peace of mind every time you’re on the road.

2. RESOLVE to end distracted driving. Distracted driving is an epidemic that is completely preventable.   We have all hopefully learned to resist the urge to text while driving, but there are other distractions which can be just as dangerous, such as:

• Reaching for something
• Changing the radio station
• Checking GPS or map
• Taking a photo
• Eating or drinking
• Putting on makeup/grooming

3. RESOLVE to be a courteous driver. We were all new drivers at one point, and one day we will all be an older driver.  We’ve all driven on unfamiliar roads, been late for an appointment, or gotten lost.  We share the roads with millions of drivers and it stands to reason that some of them are going to be experiencing those same issues, or worse.   Make it a new year’s resolution to be patient with other drivers.  Don’t give into dangerous road rage.  If possible, give yourself some extra time to get to your desitination. When YOUR drive is less stressful, you are less likely to be bothered by stressors such as traffic construction and other drivers.
4. RESOLVE to keep a record of service and repairs. A complete record of service and repairs is an invaluable resource when planning maintenance, communicating with shops, keeping up with vehicle recalls, and even adds value when selling your vehicle.  Vehicle log books/glove compartment organizers are available from a variety of stores, but in lieu of that keeping a simple notebook and pen in your glovebox will work just fine.  Be sure to include the date, service, mileage, and service provider name, address, and phone number(or indicate that it was DIY), and keep those receipts.
5. RESOLVE to create an emergency fund. Put aside a bit of money every week or month to prepare for a vehicle emergency.  Repair bills can escalate quickly, and if you have some money set aside for this express purpose, it will take out the sting just a little bit.  If you haven’t used it before it’s time for your next car, apply it to your down payment on the new vehicle.

LMK 2021