It’s the beginning of 2024 and people are starting their New Year’s Resolutions! From getting into shape to refraining from sweets, we all have ways in which we want to improve our lives in the upcoming year. As we look to better our lives and those around us, there is one thing that we often take for granted and may not be thinking about, our vehicle. Our cars are a big part of our lives and need a good new years resolution as well. Here, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery discusses some important New Years Resolutions For Your Vehicle to think about for 2024.

Change Your Oil Routinely

Part of maintaining a reliable vehicle is making sure it is properly oiled. Get routine oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles and check oil levels frequently every month. Changing the oil regularly is vital to keeping your car running smoothly. If you have a newer vehicle, most will give you a signal to remind you that the oil needs changing. If you own an older vehicle, set a reminder on your phone so you never forget this important car maintenance task. With that being said, checking your oil level is much easier and only takes a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:

1. After the engine has turned off, wait at least 5 minutes.
2. Make sure you are on a level surface.
3. Look for your car’s oil dipstick underneath the hood of the car. It usually says oil or displays an oil can icon.
4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
5. Put the dipstick all the way back in.
6. Pull the dipstick back out and inspect it without turning it upside down. You should have two markers near the bottom of the dipstick. If the oily part ends below the bottom marker, you need more oil. Never add more than a quart of oil at a time before rechecking the oil level. Too much motor oil is bad for the vehicle. If the oil level is between the two markers, you are good to go.

Learn How to Change a Tire

Every car owner should learn how to change his or her own vehicle’s tire. Sure, roadside service is reliable, but what if you don’t have cell service? There might come a time when you need to know this important skill. Ask family members to join you for the lesson, especially if you have a new driver in the family. Follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure your car is in a safe area.
2. Remove the hubcap and get the spare tire out.
3. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench (just a little bit).
4. Reference your owner’s manual for the correct location to place the jack.
5. Raise the jack and make sure it has securely contacted the car’s frame.
6. Crank up the jack until the wheel is high enough to remove the tire.
7. Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts. Don’t lose the lug nuts!
8. Remove the flat tire and place it flat on the ground.
9. Line up the spare tire with the studs and put the lug nuts back into place with your hand. When you can’t turn the nuts or bolts any further, lower the jack until the wheel is on the ground.
10. Finish tightening the lug nuts with your wrench.
11. Remember, a spare tire is only a temporary fix and should never be driven at high speeds over 50 mph. Get your tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible!

Take Care of Your Tires

Having a flat tire is obvious. But most people don’t notice when the tire is low, worn, or ready to be replaced. When your tire is not properly inflated, your gas mileage goes down and your risk for a flat increases. When a tire is overinflated, you run the risk of a blow-out. It’s time to use your tire gauge and determine how much air you need to put back in. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper tire pressure. This is usually between 30 and 35 PSI. Gas stations sometimes have automatic XactAir tire pumps that will get your pressure to the exact PSI. Find one that’s local and utilize it if necessary.

In addition to making sure your tires are safe and inflated properly, you want to remember to rotate your tires every 5,000-10,000 miles or so (check your owner’s manual for a more accurate rotation schedule). Since your tires wear unevenly, rotating your tires can help ensure a longer lifespan for each tire. Regular tire rotations also provide a smoother and safer ride. While it is possible to rotate your tires yourself, it may be easier to ask a mechanic to do it for you.

Drive Without Distractions

Georgia is a hands-free state. Do NOT text while driving. If you must use your phone on the road, use a hands-free device and don’t take any calls during hazardous driving conditions. Don’t write down notes or look up things on your phone while driving. If you must place a call, do so at a red light, stop sign, or parking space. Deaths from car accidents are often the most preventable. It’s important for all parties on the road to stay vigilant and focused. Make it a New Year’s resolution to drive safer in 2024.

Learn How to Jump-Start a Car

Even though jumpstarting a dead battery is very easy to do, too many people rely on Doug Yates’s roadside assistance or a good samaritan to come to the rescue. Everybody should know how to jumpstart a dead battery. Not only can you save time, but you can also come to the rescue of someone else. To prevent being stranded on the side of the road or looking foolish when someone asks for your help, a good car resolution is to learn how to jumpstart a car. Be extra careful and make sure the jumper cables are connected to the right areas! Don’t risk electrocution. Red = positive. Black = negative.

Check Fluids & Follow Maintenance Schedule

Professional maintenance is necessary to keep your car running properly all year. This includes fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, and general inspections. Check your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule. If you lost yours, look up your make and model online for a reliable schedule. By regularly checking your car’s fluid levels and replacing them as necessary, you can avoid most car repairs.

• Motor Oil: check monthly.
• Transmission Fluid: check monthly.
• Coolant (Antifreeze): check twice a year.
• Brake Fluid: check every time you change your oil.
• Power Steering Fluid: check monthly.
• Windshield Wiper Fluid: check monthly.

Keep Your Car Clean

For some of you, keeping your car clean comes naturally, but for the rest of us, it is a daily challenge. If your car is a mess going into the new year, make it a New Year’s Resolution for Your Vehicle. To start, remove everything from your car that you do not need. Second, organize those important papers in your glove compartment and throw away the papers you don’t need. Throw out old receipts, coupons, and other miscellaneous papers. Then find the important documents like the registration, insurance, and owner’s manual and put them in a zip lock bag.

Lastly, give your car a deep clean after you’ve decluttered it. Vacuum the seats and floors, wipe down windows, and take them through a car wash. This improves your car’s value and helps you feel better about yourself.

Looking For A Towing Company Near You?

Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is located within the city limits of Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the area’s most vibrant business communities. Since 1946, it has been the company’s mission to conduct business with integrity and professionalism in all phases of day-to-day services. Whether you need a local emergency towing services or equipment hauling, our family-owned and -operated business is dedicated to providing you with state-of-the-art convenience, innovative technology and reliable services. All of our experienced technicians are professionally trained to ensure complete satisfaction throughout the entire towing or recovery process.

Offering 24/7 towing and recovery services for all motorists and vehicle types, our team of tow truck technicians will help get you and your vehicle to your desired destination quickly, safely and securely. We are a one-stop shop when it comes to all of your towing, hauling and truck repair needs. There is no need to shop around. Simply contact us and we will have a representative available to assist you as quickly as possible. You can count on us for all of your towing and recovery needs. Here’s to 2024!!