Essential New Year’s Resolutions for Car Care

1. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule

Think of your car’s maintenance schedule as its health check-up. Regular servicing helps identify issues early before they escalate into costly repairs. If you’ve been putting off scheduled maintenance, make it a new year’s resolution to stick to your car’s logbook servicing intervals.

Tip: Set calendar reminders for your next service. It’s an easy way to stay on track. At Leondis Automotive, our logbook servicing ensures your car retains your factory warranty, and you’ll benefit from dealer level expertise and superior service.

2. Check and Top-Up Fluids

Your car relies on a number of different fluids to operate efficiently. Oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are just a few that need regular checks.

• Oil: Check oil levels monthly and schedule oil changes as recommended by your manufacturer (in modern cars, this is usually every 10,000 or 15,000kms, depending on the make and model of your car
• Coolant: Maintain proper coolant levels to avoid overheating. If the coolant is low, make sure you fill with the same OEM coolant – if not, use distilled water if you’re unsure.
• Brake Fluid: Ensure brakes operate effectively by monitoring fluid levels.

Tip: If you’re unsure how to check these, drop by Leondis Automotive—we’ll show you how and take care of it for you.

3. Prioritise Tyre Care

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, so their condition is critical. Start the year by inspecting your tyres for wear and tear, checking air pressure, and ensuring they’re properly aligned.

• Check your tyre pressures monthly (including your spare).
• Inspect tread depth—replace tyres if they’re below 1.6mm.
• It’s recommended to rotate tyres every 10,000km to make sure they wear evenly

Tip: Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, so keeping them properly inflated saves you money at the pump.

4. Inspect Wipers and Lights

Clear visibility is ideal for safe driving. If your wipers leave streaks or squeak, it’s time to replace them. Similarly, make sure all exterior and interior lights are working properly.

Tip: Replace wiper blades annually and clean light covers regularly to ensure maximum brightness.

5. Keep It Clean—Inside and Out

A clean car isn’t just about appearances—it protects your investment. Dirt, road salt, and grime can lead to rust and deterioration over time.

• Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paintwork.
• Vacuum the interior to keep it free of dirt and allergens.
• Use protective floor mats to make cleaning easier – rubber mats are great if you have kids.

6. Upgrade for Safety

If your car doesn’t have modern safety features like reversing cameras, parking sensors, or blind-spot monitoring, consider upgrading. These technologies can make a world of difference in preventing accidents.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Having an emergency kit in your car is a resolution that provides peace of mind. Include essentials like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and basic tools. Don’t forget a phone charger and a spare tyre that’s in good condition.

8. Stay Fuel-Efficient

Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits can save money and reduce wear on your car.

• Avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration.
• Reduce idling time when possible..
• Keep your car light by clearing out unnecessary items.

Tip: Ensure your engine is running efficiently with a tune-up at Leondis Automotive.

9. Address Minor Issues Promptly

That strange noise or dashboard warning light might not seem urgent, but ignoring it could lead to more significant problems down the road. Make it a resolution to address minor issues as soon as they happen.

Tip: Book an inspection with Leondis Automotive to diagnose and fix problems before they escalate. Our team of skilled mechanics are dedicated to using the latest technology to ensure your vehicle is taken care of like it’s one of our own.