Make better car care in '09 your New Year's resolution

New Year's resolutions can be about more than shedding a few pounds and exercising more.

Simply changing a few habits can help your vehicle last longer, command a higher resale price, pollute less and burn less gasoline. Here's some helpful advice:

Auto Service

• Performance Service Locator
• NASCAR Performance Network

• About the show
• TV Listings

1. Clean out your vehicle

Remove unnecessary items from the passenger cabin and the trunk. Less weight means you'll use less gasoline. Remove that rooftop cargo carrier when you're finished hauling ... you'll cut down on gas-hogging wind resistance.

2. Check your tires' pressure once per month

Tires with low pressure cause the engine to work harder -- and to burn more gasoline -- to move the vehicle. Poorly aligned wheels and improperly inflated tires also wear out faster, costing you money in replacements.

3. Follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals

A neglected vehicle burns more gas and will break down more often than well-maintained machines. The owner's manual spells out which systems need servicing and when. Fouled spark plugs and clogged filters waste gasoline. Routine oil changes will keep your vehicle from aging before its time. If you notice changes in engine performance, like rough idling or poor accelerations, you are due for a visit to the shop. Also, never ignore a "check engine" or "service engine" light.

4. Resolve to become a better driver

Avoid jack-rabbit starts. Sudden accelerations waste fuel and strain the engine. Speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon, so drive the speed limit and lose the led foot. And when possible, use cruise control to maintain a steady pace. Finally, consolidate your errands to minimize short trips.

5. Look for high-quality repair shops

First ask around. Has any one you know had a good or bad experience with a particular repair shop? Next try to find a shop that has a lot of repeat customers. Customers are more likely to stay with a shop that they trust and that does a good job for them. When you visit a shop, look for signs of professionalism, like ASE certification. Are they members of the Better Business Bureau? Do they have up-to-date training and diagnostic equipment?

When you find a good shop, one where you are confident that you are getting good advice and service, stay with them. Give them all your business, listen to their recommendations and have confidence in their abilities and their honesty. You want a good shop, and a good shop wants a good customer.

Visit www.geminicarcare.com for more car-care advice or to find a great repair shop.