A fresh Start for you Vehicle: Your 2026 Good-Habits Checklist!!

Jan 12

Welcome to 2026!

Each new year, it’s important to plan ahead—for yourself and your car! A few simple habits now can save you time, money, and stress all year long.

It’s easy to get into good car health habits in 2026—here are 6 important ones you don’t want to miss:

Follow Your Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule: Every car is different. Check your specific vehicle’s service schedule in your owner’s manual. Take some time this month to mark down your car’s next maintenance milestone. That way your service is customized, not just one-size-fits-all.
Know Your Dashboard Warning Lights: When a light comes on, your car is telling you “Hey! This is important!”. If you’re not sure what each indicator means, refer to your owner’s manual. It’s best to learn them before things go wrong! The big ones to know are check engine, battery, temp, oil, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) lights.
Keep a Fully Stocked Emergency Kit: Make sure you have jumper cables and/or a jumper battery, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, and a phone charger in your vehicle. The beginning of each year is also a good time to check for expired or non-functioning items (like flashlight batteries) and replace them.
Review Your Insurance + Roadside Assistance Coverage: Do you know what your insurance coverage includes? A quick annual review of your “declarations page” with your insurance agent can help save you time and money later. Know if you have roadside assistance, towing, rental coverage, or glass replacement in the event of a crack.
Prioritize Tire & Fluid Health: Worn tires are a safety risk and are bad for your vehicle’s fuel mileage. Keep your tires aired up to the manufacturer-recommended level to improve longevity and safety. Also, get your fluids topped off—including oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Plan Ahead for Major Services in 2026: Every car will need a big-ticket repair or maintenance item eventually if it’s driven long enough. Don’t wait until those milestones (or breakdowns) happen before you budget and plan for them! If possible, plan repair funding and set aside time now for scheduled repairs to avoid headaches later in the year.