Almost everyone has made a resolution or two in their lives and most everyone has broken at least one resolution they’ve made (usually not too long thereafter).

Changes are difficult to make. In fact, experts suggest you have to repeat a behavior for at least three weeks before it becomes a habit.

This year, in addition to making personal resolutions about your weight, finances or social life, consider making some resolutions about your vehicle.

There are several things you can do to keep your vehicle performing at its best and hopefully keeping you out of the mechanic’s shop.

There are several things you can do to keep your vehicle performing at its best and hopefully keeping you out of the mechanic’s shop.

In 2014, resolve to…

• Check the pressure in your tires on a regular basis. Safercar.gov recommends checking your tires at least once a month. Your tires lose pressure whether or not you run over objects in the road so it’s important to keep an eye on pressure levels. Tires most often fail due to being underinflated.
• Check your oil once a month as well. Oil is what keeps your car engine running smoothly so it’s crucial to make sure you have enough. You do this by checking the dipstick under the hood of your vehicle. The best time to check is when the car has been off for at least 10 minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off with a rag, then put it back in and pull it back out again. Depending on where the oil film is on the dipstick, you will know if you need to add oil or if your oil reservoir is full.
• Drive your car sensibly. In other words, accelerate slowly and don’t slam on your brakes.
• Cars.com suggests resisting the urge to rev your engine when your car is parked in the driveway in the winter. This is because the oil hasn’t warmed up yet. Always allow your vehicle to warm up for a couple minutes in freezing weather before driving it.

If you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you. And isn’t that what we all want?

Your final resolution? To call Great Plains Auto Body if you have dents and dings that need fixing. 402.334.7100.