A New Year's resolution can lead to better car care

By Official Release
December 29, 2009
01:29 PM EST

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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 are five helpful tips from the experts:

Auto Service

1. Clean out your vehicle. Less weight means you'll use less gasoline, so remove unnecessary items from the passenger cabin and the trunk. 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. Poorly aligned wheels and improperly inflated tires also wear out faster, costing you money in replacements.

3. Follow your carmaker'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 "service engine" light.

4. Resolve to become a better driver. Avoid jack-rabbit starts as sudden accelerations waste fuel and strain the engine. Speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon, so drive the speed limit. When possible, use cruise control to maintain a steady pace. Aggressive hard starts and stops wear out your brakes faster. Finally, consolidate your errands to minimize short trips.

5. Look for high-quality repair shops. Shop around for an auto-care facility before you need repairs. Ask family, friends and co-workers to recommend a reputable shop. Look for signs that the shop has the equipment needed to properly diagnose your car's problems. Ask the shop for references and follow up with calls to them. Finally, don't shop for price alone. It's important to remember that you're not just paying for the cost of the part and the time it takes to install it, but you're also paying for the professionalism and technical expertise of the technician.

For more sound car-care advice or to locate a top repair shop in your area, visit www.geminicarcare.com.