A new year has just began, which can also be seen as an opportunity to look into areas of your car. Most people begin the year by trying to adhere to their earlier drafted ‘New Year resolutions’; while some subscribe to the psychological exercise of ‘turning a new leaf’. Either way, what these two similar approaches tend to achieve is helping individuals make 2013 better than last year for them by taking proactive measures and adopting better ways of living and doing things. In that same light, when it comes your car, consider the few points stated below a ‘resolution list’ which can help in generating your next plan of action to ensure you have a blissful motoring year ahead.

Check your vehicle papers: It’s very possible to forget how vital your vehicle documents are until you get reminded by relevant authorities during their random checks. Depending on the driver class you fall under, some of the necessary vehicle documents that must be complete and up to date are your driver’s license, vehicle license, insurance etc. Also have in mind new developments like plate number swapping and the new driver’s license as directed by the Federal Road Safety Commission (F.R.S.C).
Check your car’s vitals: When referring to the vitals of the human body, you could consider features like the human heart, brain, sensory organs etc. In the case of cars you have the power-train consisting of the engine right under the bonnet and transmission; you can then go further to include principal engine attachments like the cooling system, brakes, fueling system and exterior lightening on your check-list. The idea here is not to focus on a few features of your car, but to concretely ascertain the true state of your car.
Re-access your mechanic/spare-part supplies: If for some time now you’ve been having doubts about the effectiveness of your current auto-technician, now is the time to step aside and truly appraise his/her services provided. In doing this consider the following; level of expertise, workshop client traffic, sophistication/maximization of tools, limits of diversity (the more limited the better), division of labour, general working conditions and most importantly, security. With regards to spare-part dealers, you should consider the average life of spare-parts you procure, value-added services (logistics, customer care), amongst other considerations.
Kick-start personal documentation of your maintenance history: As an effective way to keep track of activities carried out on your car and to fill the gap created by poor mechanic practices (as we largely have it here in Nigeria), it is highly advisable to record these activities as they are carried out. You could take it up a notch by setting reminders using your handy gadgets like mobile phones and tablet PCs to notify you on when next certain activities are to be carried out based on the specified intervals as stated on your car’s manual for various processes/procedures.
Study yourself, how and where you drive: First and foremost, you might have to re-consider your daily route; having in mind that the surest way to cut fueling cost to the barest minimum is to take shortest routes with free flow of traffic. It is also possible that the seemingly shorter route you ply daily is partly responsible for your frequent visits to the mechanic to fix suspension issues. With that taken care of, also consider how safe the normal routes you ply are at different times of the day. Finally, take note of your personal driving flaws and how your personality and work routine affects your driving. Truly being cautious about how these little factors affect the way we drive helps avoid accidents and unforeseen negative road incidents.
Cultivate a reading attitude: an average Nigerian barely reads! They prefer getting stunned by the vocal description of the capabilities of the car they own, just to marvel over such. The same goes to being embarrassed by an avoidable anomaly. Basically, embrace your car manual and learn more about your car features and requirements; then go further hook up with an interesting online blog, magazine or news site that provides information on recalls, new car trends and probably information on the next car to buy. An informed mind is free, independent and insightful; these are just a few benefits of reading more.
Shop for a new car: Yes! A fresh start might require having a fresh car and trading-in your current car. Some cars are simply not worth fixing, while some have been ‘over-fixed’. Cars barely have a definite life-span as it largely depends on the history of its various users. So if the cost of replacing that engine is enough to start a huge piggy-bank for your next car, you might consider a replacement; do the maths and be decisive.

Interestingly, resolutions are hardly followed through like failed projects without an end; this should serve as a challenge to every car owner. Your vehicle is your property, which makes up part of your immediate environment. What this means is that there is hardly any positive or negative action or in-action on your part which doesn't impact on others. Always have this in mind; wishing you happy motoring this year.
http://www.autobaseafrica.com/give-your-car-a-fresh-start/