As the new year draws closer, you might be thinking about ways to get your 2023 off to a good start. No matter your new year’s resolution, ensuring your car is ready for the year ahead can be helpful down the line, as well as help keep your head clear and ready for the challenges of 2023.

Here are some things you can do to prepare your car for 2023, and how they will be beneficial.

 

Keep It Clean

We’ve all heard of a spring clean in the new year, so why not do the same for your car? Having a clean car can make a huge difference to your day – after a stressful day at work, the last thing you want is to do your commute in a dirty, cluttered car. Keeping a clean car can help your mental health.

Whether you clean it by hand or take it through a car wash, be sure to get the inside with a hoover and some interior wipes. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel in a clean car.

 

Check Your Tyres

Your tyres have a huge effect on the handling of your vehicle. To keep them in the best condition you should inflate them once a month – you can do this at most service stations. Keeping your tyres inflated will allow a better petrol mileage.

The weather also has an effect on the pressure of your tyres, so the beginning of the year when the weather is cold is a good time to ensure the pressure is correct. You should also keep a close eye on your tyre tread – any tread depth below 1.6mm is illegal, so be sure to get booked in at a garage for a tyre replacement as soon as possible.

 

Get A Service

You should get a full service every 12 months. A service prevents the deterioration of car parts which could lead to expensive repairs in the future. Starting your year with a service is a good way to ensure your vehicle is efficient and safe.

During your service, a number of checks will be carried out, such as your lights, your oil and coolant, your brakes, your tyre condition, and much more. A service will pick up on any issues caused by general wear and tear before they turn into bigger problems later down the line. By starting the year with a service, you could end up saving serious money on maintenance costs in 2023.

 

Change the Headlights

Your headlights are essential to your visibility, and since there is less daylight at the beginning of the year, January can be the perfect time to give your headlights a bit of TLC. Halogen bulbs will last around 1000, and LED headlight bulbs will last up to 5,000. If you notice your headlights aren’t as bright as usual, it may be time to invest in some fresh bulbs.

Also, check the condition of your lenses – chips caused by stones from the road, cracks or fogged-up lenses will affect your visibility. Make sure you’re ready for those dark January evenings and check your headlights this new year.

 

Invest In Some Gadgets

There are numerous gadgets available to purchase to upgrade your driving experience. If your sense of direction leaves something to be desired, a satnav could be a fantastic piece of tech to keep you on the right track. A dash cam could keep you protected in the instance of an accident, and a magnetic phone holder will keep you hands-free, leaving all your attention on the road.

A car boot organiser is a good way to keep all your supplies tidy, and if you’re wanting to upgrade the looks of your vehicle, LED interior-coloured lights can give your car a stylish edge.

 

Protect Your Interiors

People tend to look after the outside of their cars and forget the inside. There are a number of ways to keep your car interior looking its best. Investing in seat covers can keep your car seats in good condition, whether they are leather or upholstery, and protect them from stains and tears.

A steering wheel cover can protect from sun damage and scratches, to keep the dashboard looking its best. Adding an air freshener after a good clean can keep your car smelling fresh and brand new.

 

Check Your MOT

Your car’s MOT always seems to sneak up on you – with the mayhem of Christmas and a new year it is easy to forget to get booked in. You can use our free MOT checker to see when your MOT is due – just enter your postcode and our system will tell you when your MOT runs out.

It is illegal to drive your car without a valid MOT, so don’t get caught out this new year. If your test is creeping up, you can use us to compare garages in your local area to get the best deal in the garage best suited to your needs.

 

From all of us on the BookMyGarage team, happy new year!