Moving into a new year means we can make a fresh start and positively change our lifestyles with new year’s resolutions. Research from YouGov has found that resolutions are on the rise, as one in five British citizens planned to make one for 2023, with the most popular being more active and getting healthy.
One thing many might not consider becoming more disciplined in is motoring and our cars. While many of us may think our driving ability and attention to detail are above average, there’s nothing wrong with finding areas to improve.
In this article, we’ll take you through some car-related resolutions motorists may consider setting for themselves this coming year.
Keeping up on maintenance
Cars are a lot like human bodies that require regular maintenance and upkeep. Not only does it prevent your vehicle from breaking down, but it also extends the overall lifespan, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a while.
This can be something that’s easily forgotten with the number of trips and commutes that happen week on week. But this is why finding a garage you can trust can ensure your vehicle’s maintenance is to a good standard.
Alternatively, you can set up things like Mercedes service plans. Service plans are where you pay a set fee for regularly scheduled service check-ups. Having one in place means you can set your calendar with reminders before the appointment, so you know exactly when your car needs to be looked at.
Staying updated with the Highway Code
The Highway Code has dictated the laws and regulations of road use in the UK and has received numerous updates since it was first introduced in 1931. This is to keep road users safe in the constantly evolving world of driving and motoring.
Knowing what the rules of the road is crucial to driving, but a survey by the AA found that around 61% of motorists weren’t aware of the most recent changes. This means over half of the respondents may have broken one of these laws while driving and put themselves at risk of a fine.
The updates and additions to the Code are all available online through the UK government’s website, so it’s easily accessible. Keeping an eye out for any new updates can be a good habit to get into to avoid any surprises while driving.
Organising a road trip
If there’s one thing that’s universally loved, it’s a holiday. While the average distance for a journey in a car in the UK is under 10 miles, there are many issues surrounding travel, including airportand rail strikes, that could encourage you to reframe what to do for a holiday this year.
There are plenty of scenic journeys up and down the country, cities and towns with rich cultural histories that you may never have considered visiting. Whether with a partner, family, or friends, you may find a new level of excitement planning out a road trip journey. It doesn’t have to be with a specific destination in mind, you could load up the car with everyone’s luggage and hit the motorway.
There are many ‘best road trips in the UK’ lists available online that you could follow to a tee, but what better way to experience new places and people than just setting off? Whether your aim is the coast or the countryside, there are loads of ways to get there. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel and money to top up!
Resolutions can be hard to keep, especially with life being busy and unpredictable. The YouGov survey found that only 28% of respondents managed to maintain all they set for themselves. But this proves it can be done when diligence is paid, so don’t be discouraged by the numbers.