New Year’s Resolutions For Your Vehicle

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Vehicle

It’s a new year and time for a clean slate, including for your vehicle. We don’t think of how much we rely on our vehicles, how vital for our livelihood they are and how our car is part of our daily lives, like a family member. So let us all show some respect to our hard-working vehicles in 2021 so they can continue to be reliable for us. Here are some important annual car maintenance tasks to consider for 2021, to help you keep your vehicle running strong. After all: a well-maintained vehicle is a happy vehicle!

BE CLUTTER FREE

It’s time to grab a trash bag and get to it by throwing away old receipts you think you will not need, empty soda cans, just empty out your entire vehicle. A good thorough wipe down with antiseptic wipes will also be good since the pandemic is still going strong.

PUT TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT

As 2020 showed us, emergencies can happen when you least expect it. Given that, you might want to consider having an auto emergency kit, which is always handy in case you have an emergency on the road. At a minimum, your road kit should contain an ice scraper, an extra pair of gloves, a hat, and a small blanket in a bag or weatherproof box. These items are especially important to have during the winter season, so if you have an accident or car trouble, you can stay warm while help is on the way. Also, another thing you’ll want in your emergency kit is a flashlight with fresh batteries, because doesn’t car trouble ALWAYS happen in the dark for some reason?

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY RIDE

Monthly auto maintenance to your vehicle can do wonders to the longevity of your vehicle. Everything depends on the health of your vehicle’s engine, from getting to work to picking up the kids. It will last longer, perform better, and achieve a better fuel economy if you do a routine check-up and oil changes. Make sure your vehicle’s engine is properly lubricated and all fluid levels are at operating levels. A very good rule to go by is to check the engine’s oil every other time you get gas or schedule a monthly reminder on your mobile device. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

TIRE MAINTENANCE

Don’t be caught in the situation of a tire blow out! One way you can stave off a scary tire situation on the road is by regularly checking the tire pressure, especially in cold weather conditions. Tires tend to deflate a bit in cold weather, and tires that are under-pressure can wear unevenly or even fail, so it’s always good to have a tire-pressure gauge tucked away in the glove box of your vehicle. They’re cheap and come in both analog or easy-read digital versions. The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is between 30 to 35 for most tires, but check your owner’s manual. Also, check the tread depth of each tire to see if your tires should be replaced. For a precision check-up, you can purchase a tread depth indicator at your local tire or auto store. There’s always the penny trick. Insert the top part of Lincoln’s head (head down) in between the tire treads. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, it’s time to replace that tire. If you don’t see Abe’s forehead then the
tires are good for travel.

We at McLarty Daniel Chevrolet hope these New Year’s resolutions help you and your vehicle so this year can be about new adventures and being safe. If your vehicle needs service and maintenance, or if you’re ready to trade up, come see your friends at McLarty Daniel Chevrolet in Springdale. Let us put your mind at ease and assist you with your automotive needs. See you soon!

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