Resolve to keep your car fit in 2012

Happy New Year from your friends at Best Cars Guide! By now you’ve both set and already broken at least a handful of resolutions. Here at Best Cars Guide we won’t judge you if you don’t drop that extra 10 pounds or eat a salad at lunch every day; we care about how you treat your car. Much like your body, your car needs a little TLC once in a while. So here are a few tips to keep your car in great shape this year:

Pump it up! No, I’m not telling you to pump iron with ‘Ahhnold’ at the gym. Simply keep those tires inflated at the level recommended by your manufacturer in your owner’s manual. Not only will it make the ride feel nicer, but you’ll also save on gas money.

Raise your heart rate with some car-dio. If you live in a metropolitan area like I do, then you probably sit in a lot of stop-and-go traffic. It’s great to get out on the open road every few weeks to run through those gears and get the juices flowing freely through your car’s veins. So go ahead, plan that day-trip and enjoy the drive!

Preventative care is key. Let’s face it. Life gets busy – with work, family and social fun who has time to take their car to the shop? Not you. Yes you! Regular maintenance is key. If you wait until there’s something wrong with the car, then you’re going to have to fix it. It’s all about preventative maintenance through regular care and attention.

Don’t let yourself, I mean your car, go. You look yourself in the mirror before leaving the house, right? Do the same with your car. Always take a good once-over before heading out on the road. The closer attention you pay to your car, the quicker you’ll learn of trouble areas like paint chips, door dings, an oil drip or tire treads that are low.

These are all simple steps you can take toward making your car run smoother and stretching your major maintenance dollars. Do you have any additional tips that might be helpful? Let me know in the comments below!