Cars & Autos | Wednesday 7 January, 2015 7:34 pm |

As we ring in the new year and close the book on 2014, it is time for us to reflect on the car resolutions most of us never kept. Car owners set goals but often neglect getting maintenance on their cars to keep them in top shape and bring their cars in only when repairs are needed. Carmudi, the fastest way to buy and sell cars online, shares with you some easy-to-keep 2015 car resolutions that’ll save you plenty of bucks down the road in the upcoming year.

Resolution 1. Carry out two check ups per year.

Are you confident that your car fluids, battery, brake system, steering and suspension are up to scratch? Think again! Unless you have scheduled two car check ups per year with an expert engineer, you cannot be sure. Only trusted experts can identify the smallest of problems and thus help you save on your maintenance costs in the longer term. If there is a problem, it will be picked up early on, and thus prevent it from turning into a more costly repair job. And when it comes to selling your vehicle, potential buyers will be very impressed both with the condition of your car and the maintenance documents that you can produce at the time of the sale. So get ready to cash in more from your car.
Result: Higher resale value, plus save up to $200 (AED 735) on breakdown costs!

Resolution 2. Avoid aggressive driving, be smart.

Are you an adrenaline-seeking, pedal-to-the-metal kind of driver? If so, then this resolution will surely be difficult to stick with. But it’s not impossible, and the savings will be well worth it. Stop the high speed driving, avoid quick starts and hard braking. Drive smart and increase your fuel efficiency by up to 40 per cent. Yes, 40 per cent! You can even further reduce your fuel costs by driving at the optimal fuel saver speed of between 80 and 100 kilometers per hour.
Result: Increase your fuel efficiency by up to 40 per cent.

Resolution 3. Maintain proper tire inflation.

Over inflated tires coupled by poor road conditions - potholes, rocky roads etc, can lead to rapid wear and tear and even punctured tires. If you want to get the best performance out of your tires, then you must keep your tire inflation at optimal levels. How? Check the information provided by your tire manufacturer. Keep in mind that under inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 15 per cent, reduce your tire life and can lead to maneuverability problems which can cause accidents.
Result: Save on tire costs, fuel costs by up to 4 per cent, avoid risk of accidents and repair costs.

Resolution 4. Keep up with fluid changes.

Place great importance on oil and transmission fluids, making sure to carry out regular fluid changes. Why? It will help to ensure the brakes and clutch system is well maintained. If you ignore these details, you might eventually have to replace your brakes and clutch system. This can be rather expensive and time consuming. Replacing brakes can costs up to $300 (AED 1100), and repairing clutch system can cost up to $1100 (AED 4000).
Result: Avoid replacing the brake and clutch system - save more than $1000 (AED 3600)!

Resolution 5. Keep your car clean.

Trash or mess can become a hiding place for problem spots and stains. So, keep your car clean and make use of your car care kit to remove spots or stains before they get out of hand. You will be surprised to know that dirt and grime can be very harsh on your vehicle, especially for the interior of your car. Investing in a good quality car mat and vacuuming it on a regular basis can fetch you good long-term returns.
Result: Save up to $5000 (AED 18400) by not having to replace the entire interior of your car!