Here we are in the year 2020, the third decade of the 21st century and of the New Millennium. If you are like many people across Raleigh, you probably have a lot on your mind with regard to the New Year, and there is a good chance that you have thought about resolutions for 2020. If vehicle maintenance and repair have been on your mind, you would be part of a small but smart minority of drivers who believe that their cars deserve better.

According to Psychology Today, about 60% of people make New Year’s resolutions, yet less than 10% of us actually keep them. One of the problems is that the optimistic ethos of American society drives us to set lofty goals that are not always reasonable. In most households in Raleigh, women tend to make resolutions related to fitness and nutrition; men are more likely to think about finances and giving up smoking. All these resolutions are certainly attainable, but they require planning in order to make them easier to achieve.

When you think about it, resolving to keep your car in good condition throughout the year makes perfect sense; after all, it is related to personal and household finance. Sticking to a schedule of vehicle maintenance and repair will make your car more reliable, thus reducing the likelihood of requiring major repairs, which will surely be more expensive, down the line. Getting started with this resolution is easy; all you have to do is formulate it and set the date when you will take the car to the shop, preferably in January.

Determining the Vehicle Maintenance Needs of Your Car or Truck

If you live in Raleigh, be sure to bring your car to our shop; feel free to let us know that your goal is to keep the vehicle on the road this year. We will start by asking you when was the last time your car was serviced and if you have noticed any issues. We can always look up vehicle maintenance records and the automaker’s recommended schedule before our technicians start checking the car.

For recent models that have gone through the maintenance schedule indicated by the automaker, this New Year’s resolution will be easy to keep. You may just need to stay on course with the oil changes and start thinking about rotating or replacing new tires; moreover, some parts may need to be replaced such as the windshield wiper blades, air filter, fuel filter, brake pads, and perhaps belts.

If your car has not been properly maintained or if you purchased it used, the maintenance and repair needs may be more extensive. Our technicians may find issues that you have not previously noticed, and the time may have come for services that go beyond a tune-up. At any rate, our technicians will give you a complete report.

Prioritizing Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs

Once the condition of your car or truck has been determined, you can discuss a concrete plan of action with us. Not everything has to be taken care of at once; we understand that many people around Raleigh will find themselves short on funds right after the holidays, and we can help you with planning what vehicle maintenance issues should be taken care of now according to your budget.

As previously mentioned, having a reasonable plan is crucial when pursuing New Year’s resolutions. And getting your car or truck into good shape is no different. We can let you know what needs to be a priority; if your tires are just about worn completely out, for example, this will be one of the first items. Some drivers with front-wheel drive cars or trucks may only be able to afford two tires now, and this is could be fine for a month or so. Simple vehicle maintenance such as oil changes and replenishing certain fluids generally come first, but they tend to be affordable for most drivers.

When your “check engine” light has been on for a while, there is always a potential that you will need somewhat urgent repairs. Not all causes of the check engine light illuminating are expensive. If the engine control unit transmits a code indicating that the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced, this is typically an inexpensive repair. Some repairs can wait; for example, a radiator can be flushed before it needs to be replaced, or you may be able to drive a manual transmission car for a few hundred miles before changing the gearbox oil.

In the end, proper vehicle maintenance is a New Year’s resolution that you should strongly think about.And, Ray Weatherspoon Automotive  can help you maintain that resolution. If you want to keep your car or truck on the road and in good condition in 2020, be sure to pay us a visit in January; we will be very happy to help you keep this resolution.