Is Better Car Care One of Your New Year Resolutions?

2025 is just around the corner, which means it’ll soon be time to think about your New Year’s resolutions. 

When you’re brainstorming New Year’s resolutions, your car may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But better car care is definitely a resolution worth considering. 

Your car is an essential companion that’s probably seen you through many of your life adventures, and there’s a good chance that it’s  in need of some love and attention. 

Through effective car care and maintenance, you can ensure every drive is safe, optimise the performance of your vehicle, and keep it in top condition. 

Taking active steps to maintain your car is essential in preventing damage and ensuring your car runs reliably. It can also help you spot any potential car problems early on and address them before they develop into more serious issues. 

The New Year is the ideal time to focus on your vehicle’s health and performance. To help you get started, our expert mechanics have shared their essential car care tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly in 2025. 

1) Conduct Frequent Fluid Checks

Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen wash, are essential to keep your car running. That’s why it’s important to conduct frequent fluid checks; ideally every couple of months. 

Use a dipstick and cloth to check the oil in your car’s engine. With engine oil, you want to ensure it’s between the minimum and maximum markers and isn’t too dark or congealed. 

If your engine oil looks black or murky, it probably needs to be drained and replaced. Our mechanics at In Town Automotive can change your engine oil and make sure your engine is functioning properly. 

You also need to check and refill your car’s windscreen washing fluid regularly. If your car has no fluid to clean a dirty windscreen, this is not only dangerous but can also result in a fine. 

Low or dirty fluids can lead to major mechanical failures, so checking your fluids is one of the key aspects of better car care.

2) Top Up the Coolant

Engine coolant keeps your car’s engine cool when it’s in use by regulating engine temperature. It prevents your car from overheating and also stops it from freezing in cold winter temperatures. 

While you don’t typically need to replace coolant as often as engine oil, that doesn’t mean it lasts forever. It’s best to consult your owner’s manual and top up the coolant as suggested, typically with antifreeze and water.

Checking your coolant levels as often as once a month is a good way to ensure better car care in the New Year. 

3) Change the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel and air in your car’s internal combustion chamber. Keeping your spark plugs in excellent condition will help you ensure the engine can perform efficiently. 

Over time, your spark plugs will wear out, and it’s important to get them changed when they do. A good rule of thumb for better car care is to regularly check your spark plugs for signs of damage, especially rust, cracks, or excessive colour change. 

Damage to spark plugs might also be a sign of engine or electrical issues, which need to be addressed as soon as possible. 

If you think you’re up to the task, follow the advice in your vehicle manual and replace the spark plugs yourself. If not, taking your car to a professional garage like In Town Automotive is the safer option. Contact us to book an appointment.

4) Commit to Timely MOT Testing

An MOT test is a legal requirement in the UK. This comprehensive check ensures your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. 

One of the best ways to ensure better car care in the New Year is to plan your MOT test well before the due date. This helps you avoid any last-minute hassles and ensures your vehicle stays roadworthy. 

In Town Automotive provides MOT car tests to keep your car safe to drive. Our experienced technicians provide everything you need for a smooth MOT test. 

5) Regularly Service Your Vehicle

Servicing your car regularly is a vital part of better car care as it ensures all the vital components of your car are functioning optimally. 

Use your vehicle’s manual to find out how often your car needs to be serviced and adhere to the specified time frame. In most cases, servicing should be (at a minimum) once a year or after a specific number of miles.

Depending on the length of time or distance you’ve travelled since your last servicing, your car may require minor or advanced service. With regular car servicing, you can identify potential problems before they become major issues and save time and money. 

Regular servicing extends the life of your vehicle and ensures it always remains in good running condition. 

Contact In Town Automotive For Better Car Care

Knowing how to take care of your car and carrying out proper car maintenance contributes to a safer and smoother driving experience for you and others on the road. By following these New Year’s resolutions, you can practice better car care and ensure your vehicle stays safe and efficient throughout 2025. 

If you’re looking for a reliable garage to carry out car maintenance and repairs, the expert mechanics at In Town Automotive help. 

As an award-winning garage in Northampton, we repair brakes, clutches, tyres, exhausts, and more. With our assistance, you can make every journey smooth and safe. 

To learn more, explore our services, or contact us to book an appointment today.