Good New Year’s Resolutions for Car Owners

As we’re getting closer to 2024, you may already be thinking about this coming year’s resolutions: small things you can do to improve your life, better yourself, and make yourself happier.

While surveys predict that inflation is causing people to steer away from setting any financial resolutions this particular New Year, we encourage you–don’t jump ship on saving a penny altogether.

With simple maintenance, better driving habits, and other New Year’s resolutions for your driving and for your car, you’ll find yourself saving:

• Time on future auto service appointments

• Money on future repairs and new cars

• Frustration from having to deal with breakdowns

To help you craft the perfect New Year’s resolution to accomplish the above, Christian Brothers Automotive has gathered a list of New Year’s resolutions for drivers to consider in 2024. Let the countdown begin!

4. Drop Those Old Driving Habits

You may be doing serious damage to your engine and putting yourself or others in unsafe conditions with some of the driving habits you’ve picked up over the years. Consider ditching these bad habits in the new year:

• Hogging the fast lane

• Never buckling up

• Angry driving

• Drowsy driving

• Shifting haphazardly

• Speeding

Choosing to omit any of these from your life is just a good move, even outside of the new year! However, following these may seem like you’re just trying to stay off the Naughty List for Christmas. If it helps, consider the opposite: drive the speed limit, shift when necessary, use the fast lane for its intended purpose - for passing, then move back over and maintain a healthy speed. This will save you money on gas and unnecessary wear and tear on your engine. And, if you’re driving while angry or tired, you’re potentially wearing out your tires with uncareful turns. So, breathe, try to relax, and drive happy!

3. Keep Your Car Clean

A peaceful You is a better You, and many organization and home decor experts will tell you that a decluttered space increases peaceful feelings and relaxation. Just reading that sounds nice, right?

If you’re considering making it a goal to keep your car cleaned throughout 2024, here are some helpful tips:

• Invest in interior wipes or microfiber dusting cloths to routinely wipe down the interior

• Implement new car organizing methods to give things a home

• Make it a weekly routine and reward yourself after for a job well done

• Finally, donate or toss the items crowding your trunk (plus the more weight you haul around, the more gas you’ll consume)

2. Save Money on Gas

Saving money on gas is a financial resolution worth investing some time in, especially if you drive a lot or plan to in the next year.

Even though 2023 saw the price of gasoline soar to new records, there are still ways to save on gas in the coming year:

• Keep up on your essential maintenance to preserve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency

• Explore your phone’s app store for gas apps that will notify you when and how to save money

• Consider signing up for your local gas station’s loyalty program to save money on every fill-up

This is only the beginning! Explore our blog on the top ways to save at the gas pump to see our full list of recommendations.

And last but not least…

1. Avoid Repairs

It’s no secret that auto repairs can cost quite a bit, especially if the issue is severe. The best way to avoid spending money on auto repairs next year is by having the correct routine maintenance performed. Some of the essential routine maintenance items include:

• Oil and filter change

• Battery inspection and possible replacement

• Fluid inspections for levels and possible top-off

• Tire inspection and rotation

While you’re having maintenance done, it’s important to have an inspection done to check for any repairs you may need. Make sure to have any problems the technicians pointed out repaired ASAP. Even the tiniest car problem can turn into something that’ll cost you a fortune or even cause your entire vehicle to break down! Not sure if you have any car problems beginning? Our free Courtesy Inspection is a great overall health check up on your car, and we’ll help you keep your car running for a long time by recommending maintenance items that help prevent repairs.

How to Stick with Your New Year’s Resolutions

Studies have shown that out of the 40% or so of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions, only about 9% find that they were successful in keeping their resolution throughout the year.

Making a resolution is easy. Keeping it is another story. Here are some helpful tips on how to help keep your resolutions:

• Find one or two goals and commit to them, don’t bog yourself down with a large list.

• Set mini goals inside your larger goal to gain a sense of personal accomplishment throughout the year. Reward yourself when you hit these!

• Be flexible with yourself and your goals. Go into the year knowing that it’s normal to run into roadblocks and obstacles to your goals.

• Find an accountability partner to stay on track and keep yourself motivated.

Christian Brothers Automotive Can Keep You Accountable

With the help of your local Christian Brothers Automotive auto shop, you’ll have the best accountability partner you could ask for!

Whether you want to keep up with your maintenance next year or ensure your vehicle is in good health for the new year, we can schedule appointments early, notify you when it’s time for maintenance, and personalize your service schedule.