Autocare Checklist – A new year is here, and with it – new possibilities. It’s an excellent time of year to reflect on the year gone by, make some new resolutions to stick to, and return to work or your occupation refreshed from the holiday break.
And speaking of the holiday break, have you been able to enjoy any fun summer road trips so far? Or what if you have some late summer holiday plans to accommodate? If so, then autocare is likely to be at the top of your list of priorities, just to make sure you and your fellow travellers can keep on cruising without a care in the world this summer.
If you’re yet to prep your car for your next summer road trip, then be sure to follow these steps we’ve outlined below.
Get your car serviced with your local mechanic
Part of your new year’s autocare checklist should be ensuring that your vehicle receives regular servicing and maintenance. A car service is an essential element of vehicle maintenance and care. All responsible car owners should look to get their car serviced every six months or around 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
You can Google car service near me to find a reputable and trusted local mechanic who can look after your vehicle. Your local mechanic will be able to change your engine oil and transmission and brake fluids, as well as check your brakes, inspect the wear of your tyre treads, evaluate your light functions, and just generally ensure that your car is operating properly and has met all roadworthy requirements.
Furthermore, a car service is the ideal time for the mechanic to inspect your vehicle’s engine closely for a little proactive engine care. Your mechanic may also be able to spot problems like fluid leaks or wear on the engine early. If left unattended, these small operational issues can actually snowball into major mechanical issues fast, which is why adhering to your vehicle’s recommended servicing schedule is so essential.
Following your vehicle servicing appointment, your mechanic can then advise you of what needs to be fixed for your car, how much it will cost and in what timeframe the repairs need to occur. Be sure to keep this timeframe in mind when planning your summer travels.
Give your car a good scrub at a car wash
Your car is exposed to dust, dirt, debris and all manner of contaminants from the road and surroundings. Even rainwater contains all manner of nasties or can cause grime from puddles to splash up onto your automobile as you drive around. This is why it’s important to give your car a regular wash and wax as part of your new year’s autocare checklist.
If you have the time, you should definitely opt for washing your car yourself on the weekend to save money. Typically, a manual car wash at home can take an hour or so to complete all the recommended steps (i.e. rinse, wash, wax, and hand-dry your car).
If you’re time-poor but have a healthy budget, however, then consider dropping your car off at a local hand car wash while you go shopping or run errands. Aim to wash your car thoroughly every two weeks, or every week if you can manage it.
Update your vehicle’s software
If you drive a modern vehicle like an SUV with smart connectivity such as CarPlay or Android Auto, it’s your responsibility this new year to ensure that you keep your vehicle software updated. Car connectivity is like any other software – regular updates keep it working properly and as intended.
For most modern vehicle models, you can check your car’s centre console to see if any updates are still pending download. From here, just get into the habit of initiating the updates and ensuring that you keep your car software current for smooth operations and seamless connectivity.
Check your tyres and battery health
Another important addition to your new year’s autocare checklist is checking your tyres and car battery. Tyres should always be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. To ensure optimal fuel efficiency, handling and safety on the road. Underinflated or worn tyres can not only make your car less fuel efficient,. But they can also increase braking distance and make driving more dangerous – particularly in wet conditions.
Thankfully, checking your tyre pressure can be done easily. Either with your local mechanic or even at any service station with an air pump and pressure checker. While checking your tyre pressure, be sure to also take a moment to inspect tread depth. And look for any signs of cracking or uneven wear. And if needed, replace your worn-out tyres with new ones at a tyre garage or with your local mechanic.
Your car battery also deserves attention, especially if it struggled during the colder months. Batteries typically last three to five years. And a weak one can leave you stranded on the roadside without warning. Have your battery tested during a service or at an auto parts store. So you can replace it proactively rather than reactively. Note: if you drive an EV, you should have your battery inspected at each yearly service.
Restock your emergency and first aid supplies
Finally, start the year by checking your vehicle’s emergency kit to see if it may need to be updated or replenished. Ensure you have essentials such as a first-aid kit, jumper leads, a torch, spare tyre, jack and basic tools.
Keeping bottled water, a phone charger and emergency contact details in your car is also a smart habit. Being prepared not only protects your vehicle but also gives you peace of mind every time you hit the road.
Get your car ready for a new year with this autocare checklist
Starting the new year with a proactive approach to autocare. Sets you up for safer, smoother and more enjoyable driving for 2026. By staying on top of regular servicing. Keeping your car clean, updating software and checking key components. You can prevent small issues from becoming costly problems in the future.
A well-maintained vehicle not only performs better but also gives you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. Make autocare a habit this year and enjoy the road and the good times ahead.