As we welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on creating a plan to keep your vehicle in top shape. Whether your car is brand new or has seen its share of mileage, regular maintenance is the key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns, improving fuel efficiency, and extending its lifespan.
Why Plan Your Vehicle’s Care for the Year?
Think of your vehicle as an investment—it’s one of the most valuable assets you own. Proper maintenance not only ensures its reliability but also boosts its resale value. Studies show that vehicles with a documented maintenance history sell faster and at a higher price. Plus, staying proactive can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in costly repairs down the road.
The key is to treat car care like any other important goal: set clear milestones, schedule tasks, and stay consistent. And just like your fitness or career goals, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Tips for Creating Your Vehicle Maintenance Plan
Here’s how you can kickstart the year with a solid car maintenance plan:
1. Review Your Vehicle’s Service History
Take some time to assess your car’s past maintenance records. Have you been keeping up with oil changes? When was the last time your tires were rotated or your battery was checked? MyRide901 makes this step effortless by letting you store and access your vehicle’s service timeline in one place. With a clear overview of what’s been done and what’s due, you can plan ahead confidently.
2. Set Key Milestones
Plan your car care based on your driving habits and your manufacturer’s recommendations. For example:
- Oil change: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or as recommended.
- Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear.
- Brake inspection: Annually or when you notice squeaking or reduced braking power.
- Seasonal prep: Plan for winterization or summer readiness depending on your location. MyRide901’s mileage tracking and service reminder features can notify you of these key milestones so you never miss an important service.
3. Schedule Services Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to stick to your plan is to schedule routine maintenance in advance. Use MyRide901’s Find A Shop feature to locate trusted repair shops near you. Plus, if your shop is a ShopConnect partner, you can book appointments directly in the app and even share your service history with the shop to save time.
4. Budget for Maintenance
Unexpected repairs can take a toll on your wallet. Prevent this by setting aside a monthly budget for routine services. MyRide901’s expense tracking feature helps you monitor what you’re spending on your car, so you can plan smarter for future costs.
5. Make Use of Automatic Reminders
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to lose track of your car’s needs. With MyRide901, you can set automatic reminders for upcoming services. Whether it’s a simple oil change or a more complex repair, you’ll get timely alerts to ensure your vehicle stays road-ready.
Benefits of a Thoughtful Maintenance Plan
- Save Money: Routine maintenance is far less expensive than major repairs caused by neglect.
- Reduce Stress: You’ll avoid the last-minute scramble to fix issues before a big trip or busy season.
- Increase Resale Value: A well-documented maintenance history shows potential buyers that you’ve taken great care of your car.
Start the new year with a plan for your car! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just learning the basics, the key to success is consistency and preparation. With MyRide901, you have a reliable partner to help you every step of the way. Download the app today and hit the road with confidence!
