From losing weight to reading more books, most New Year’s resolutions are focused on improving one’s body and mind. But if you’re looking for a different challenge this upcoming year, consider making a resolution to take better care of your car. By investing more time and service into auto maintenance, you can extend the life of your vehicle, avoid costly repairs, improve your fuel efficiency, and enjoy smoother on-road performance. If you’re wondering how to enjoy these benefits, here are just a few ways you can improve your auto care in the New Year.    

5 Auto Maintenance Resolutions for the New Year  

1. Don’t Avoid Oil Changes  

Follow the recommended oil change schedule for your vehicle—usually once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. While this task can be easy to ignore, forgetting to change the oil can impair the lubrication of your engine. Over time, this increased friction can cause premature wear on the engine and make your car work harder than it needs to.

2. Rotate Tires

Tire rotation should generally occur about once every 5,000 miles. This auto maintenance task helps prevent uneven tread wear—a problem that can reduce tire life, increase the risk of blowouts, and reduce your control on the road.

3. Stop Warming-Up

In the past, it was a common practice for winter drivers to warm up their cars before hitting the road. Today’s vehicles, however, don’t need this extra run time to work properly in face of the winter cold. Running the car in idle for extended periods of time not only wastes fuel but can also cause wear to the engine.

4. Wash More Frequently

When you’re driving in rough terrain or bad weather on a regular basis, washing your car may not necessarily be on your priority list. But if you skip routine washing, dirt and debris will build up and cause damage to the body—and increase the risk of corrosion.

5. Schedule Regular Inspections

Even if your car seems to be running fine, it’s important to schedule a professional auto inspection at least once a year. During this checkup, a trained mechanic will make sure all systems of the car function properly and safely. With early detection, minor problems can be fixed early on to prevent emergency breakdowns and the need for costly auto repair.

When you want to traverse the wild roads of Alaska with confidence, keeping your car in good shape is essential. That’s why Alaskan Auto Center offers state-of-the-art auto maintenance and repair services that allow drivers to experience optimal performance and safety behind the wheel. Staffed by skilled mechanics, this Anchorage, AK, auto shop is equipped to assist with oil changes, transmission service, brake repair, engine replacement, tire rotation, and more. To learn more about their expertise, visit the shop online. For questions, call (907) 522-7035 to speak with a friendly mechanic.