The New Year is only days away — what resolutions will you be making for 2014? If resolving to stay on top of your car’s maintenance isn’t up there on your list, perhaps it should be.

With each drive you take, your car will endure some amount of wear and tear. To maximize the lifetime of your car (and to offset this damage as much as possible), it’s important to remain vigilant about regular vehicle upkeep — taking both proactive and reactive measures in a timely fashion. Looking for a little inspiration? Try making these five simple resolutions, which can help keep your vehicle looking and running like new.

1. Keep your car clean on the outside AND the inside. By routinely washing the exterior of your car, you’ll not only enjoy a shiny, attractive look now, you’ll also increase the odds that your car continues looking great in the long-term. When you allow excess dirt, mud and more to linger on the outside of your vehicle, you may begin seeing abrasions and paint damage build up over time. The same goes for your interiors — taking a few minutes to wipe down the upholstery and vacuum the flooring each week can help maximize the lifespan of your seats, carpeting and other surfaces.
2. Take your car in for periodic “check-ups.” Over the course of the year, frequent use of your car can cause wear and tear damage to your tires, engine and more. If left un-attended, that damage can gradually build, possibly causing a larger problem down the road. Resolve to bring your car to a mechanic at least twice in the new year — consider it your car’s annual physical.
3. Check your oil before going on any road trip. You know you need to have your oil changed every few thousand miles, and you likely have a ballpark estimate for when that time will come. But if you’re going on a road trip that involves driving a few hundred miles or more, you may expedite that time without realizing it. The last thing you want to do is take a long trip when your oil levels are low, so get in the habit of giving yours just give yours a quick check before heading out. Your diligence here can really make a difference in the longevity of your engine.
4. Monitor your tire thread. When your tires wear unevenly for an extended period of time, it can put undue stress on your suspension and more. Your tires may appear “healthy,” but they’re whittling down more and more with each trip you take, and those final 32nds of an inch are critical. Every few months, conduct the penny test to see how your tires are faring — just place an upside-down penny into several grooves of your tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the thread, you have more than 2/32″ of thread. Repeat on each tire.
5. Get that weird noise checked out as soon as you first discover it. One major mistake many car-owners are guilty of: Putting off diagnostic inspections or repairs until the last minute. Car trouble is never convenient, but it can be even more inconvenient if a small issue morphs into a larger problem, simply because you waited too long to have the initial problem diagnosed and fixed. By bringing your car in sooner rather than later, you can fix whatever’s wrong before it damages other parts of your car — and you’ll have more peace of mind, too.

By staying on top of your car’s maintenance, you can keep your car in tip-top condition throughout 2014 and beyond. From the entire staff at Raleigh’s Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac, we wish you a safe and happy new year!