Doing some car improvement projects during the holidays may seem a bit off. But doing them makes perfect sense.
The holidays are a time for parties with friends and gatherings with loved ones. You like to join in, but only for a bit of socialization. Or perhaps you find it awkward to mingle with your distant relatives. Maybe you’d want to get away from chit-chatting with your in-laws.
More importantly, winter is a dangerous time to drive. Snow and ice make roads slippery. If your car isn’t in top condition, you can be at risk of accidents. Maybe you’re a gear head or car enthusiast to the core, and this holiday season is the perfect time for you to spend some quality time with your ride to give it some loving.
Whatever your reason is, car improvement projects are a great idea to gift yourself while keeping your car ready for winter driving. Don’t wait any longer. Maintain your vehicle with these car improvement projects this holiday season.
Install a New Entertainment System
Before anything else, upgrade your car’s sound system. This isn’t just about having the right speakers. Car sound systems today have the potential to provide infotainment for both drivers and passengers, which is especially true if you have kids in tow.
There are many Bluetooth options available today for different infotainment purposes, and many of them are hands-free, which makes it safer to operate. Car and Driver magazine recommends Bluetooth FM and AUX adapters and a media button that can help you navigate your sound system without fumbling with your car’s console.
Better yet, install an infotainment system in your car if you don’t have one yet. It’s mainly a screen with an interface and software that you can use to access your car’s media, entertainment, and communication functions. You can use it to operate your car’s GPS, take phone calls, and listen to music.
Replace Your Brakes and Install a Dashcam
Mileage depends on the type of car you have. In general, though, if a vehicle has already reached 25,000 miles, its brake pads should be replaced. If you’re having difficulty braking or hearing grinding noises, you may have to replace your braking pads earlier, along with its rotors. In fact, most car owners think the brake systems in their cars are suitable for their vehicle’s entire lifespan. If you don’t replace or update your brake system at the right time, it can result in dangerous accidents.
You can increase your car’s safety if you install a dashcam, a backup camera, or a combination of both. According to Motor1 magazine, having a dashcam adds an element of vehicle safety because it allows you to monitor and record activity around your car. This makes it easier for you to see the risks of accidents so that you can avoid them.
Give Your Car a Makeover
Give your car a makeover with a deep clean. A simple deep clean can give your vehicle a new glimmer that a car wash can’t provide. If you want to level up your car’s makeover, book an auto detailing service. A total detailing will clean the interior and exterior of your car thoroughly, even removing scratches and shampooing your carpets.
Here’s another tip, remove any heavy objects from your car. If your vehicle is lighter, it will be better at fuel efficiency.
Change What Needs Changing-Oil and Tires
Getting your oil changed for the winter can help protect your car’s engine. Typically, engine oil is changed when a vehicle reaches 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but this depends on your car’s make and model.
You also need to change your all-weather or all-season tires to winter tires. Winter tires have better traction compared to standard ones. However, if you live in the country’s regions where you get less snow during winter, you can stick to your all-weather tires.
If you live in a region where you get a lot of snow, or the temperature drops to lower than 45 degrees, having a set of winter tires can increase vehicle safety.
It’s Now or Never
Because of the busy season, many drivers put off car maintenance until the early months of the new year.
Staying up-to-date on your car’s maintenance schedule ensures safety during driving. It also prevents your car from breaking down because of the cold weather. The best and first step you can take now is to check your car’s owner’s manual to know its maintenance schedule. Book an appointment with your trusted mechanic to get your vehicle serviced.
Fortunately, though, there are parts of your car that you can work on at home, like the projects discussed above. Hopefully, these projects will inspire you to take care of your car this holiday season.
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