A new year signals a chance for a fresh start, and while we’re all setting personal goals, don’t forget about your car! Whether you’re focused on maintaining its peak performance or expanding your collection, these five car-related resolutions will have you cruising into 2025 with ease. From better maintenance routines to the thrill of adding another vehicle to your garage, there’s a goal here for every driver to embrace this year.

Keep Your Car Clean

A cleaner car isn’t just more enjoyable to drive—it’s also better for its overall performance and longevity. Consistent cleaning prevents dust and dirt from Damaging interior components, while regular exterior washes help protect your car’s finish from grime, salt, and other roadside contaminants. Wash your car weekly or biweekly, focusing on removing debris that can scratch paint, and finish it off with a protective wax coat. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, clean your dashboard, and use vinyl or leather surfaces protectants. Even wipe down the inside of your windshield to remove that annoying grime buildup. Keeping your car fresh isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s car maintenance 101, and it pays off in the long run.

Learn Simple Mechanics

You don’t need a full toolbox or years of training to handle minor car maintenance tasks. Gaining a basic understanding of your vehicle can help you avoid unnecessary repair costs and be prepared for the unexpected. Know how to check your engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Learn to change a flat tire and check your battery terminals for buildup. Familiarize yourself with your car’s owner manual—knowing where essentials like the fuse box or spare tire are can save you in a pinch. Setting time aside to learn these simple tasks empowers you as a driver and ensures you’re ready to keep your car running smoothly.

Drop Bad Driving Habits

Bad driving habits don’t just potentially lead to accidents—they also damage your car and can cost you more over time. For this New Year, commit to kicking these common bad driving habits to the curb. Don’t hog the fast lane; keep it for passing and then move over, reducing unnecessary strain on your engine. Ease up on speeding, as driving at safe speeds saves fuel and wears your engine less. Drive calm, not angry, since aggressive driving eats away at your tires and increases the risk of damage. Driving thoughtfully can prolong the life of your vehicle while also preventing costly repairs or insurance claims.

Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Ever been stuck on the side of the road wishing you had a flashlight or jumper cables? Emergencies happen, so having a well-stocked car emergency kit can be a lifesaver during those unexpected moments. A basic kit should include jumper cables or a portable battery jump starter, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, blankets, water bottles, a tire repair kit, an air compressor, and non-perishable snacks. Whether heading out on a long road trip or just navigating harsh weather, this kit ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Spring for That Second Car

Is 2025 the year you finally add that second vehicle to your household? There are plenty of great reasons to make the leap this New Year. A growing family might make your current ride feel too cramped, making it the perfect time to upgrade to a spacious SUV or minivan. If your family has multiple drivers with different schedules, a second car can ease the stress of sharing one vehicle. Or perhaps you need a sturdy truck for towing or an adventure-ready SUV for weekend getaways—now’s the time to find the perfect fit.

Start saving now by visiting CARMART for the best deals on a variety of pre-owned vehicles. Explore our compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and more—our financing department makes it easier than ever to drive away with your dream car in 2025.

Drive Into 2025 with Confidence

This New Year, focus on goals that benefit both you and your car. A little time spent on car maintenance, staying prepared, and even upgrading your garage can make a big difference in how smoothly (and safely) you drive all year long.

Which of these resolutions will you add to your list? Whatever you choose, remember that taking care of your car is taking care of yourself. Here’s to a year full of smooth rides and new adventures!

Thinking of upgrading your car? Trading in your current vehicle is an easy way to lower the cost of your next one. To get the best trade-in value, a little prep goes a long way. A clean, well-maintained car can significantly boost the offer from a dealer. Here’s a quick guide to help you maximize your trade-in value, especially during the busy end-of-year season.

Benefits of Trading in Your Car

Before preparing your car, it’s worth understanding why trading in your car at a dealer is a popular choice:

• Saves Time: Selling privately involves finding buyers, answering questions, coordinating test drives, and managing paperwork, which can be time-consuming. Trade-ins simplify the process.
• Immediate Value: You instantly apply the trade-in value toward your new purchase, often reducing your down payment.
• Tax Advantages: Many states only charge sales tax on the difference between the price of your trade-in and the new car, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Now that you know the benefits, here are the steps to get your car ready for a trade-in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Car for a Trade-In

1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out

First impressions matter, even when it comes to vehicles. A clean car signals that the vehicle is well-cared for, which can make any buyer more inclined to offer a higher value.

• Exterior: Wash your car thoroughly and apply a fresh coat of wax. Don’t forget to clean the tires and rims. A little tire dressing can give your car an extra polished look.
• Interior: Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Remove all personal items, and wipe down surfaces like the dashboard and console.
• Professional Detailing (optional): If you want to make a lasting impression, consider professional detailing, but ensure the cost is modest compared to the car’s trade-in value.

2. Fix Minor Issues

Fixing small issues can boost your car’s appeal. Replace broken lights, top off fluids, and consider repairing windshield chips if covered by insurance. Leave major repairs like worn tires or check engine lights to the dealer, but remember they can still impact trade-in value.

3. Conduct a Quick Inspection

No matter your intention, always do your own inspection to understand your car’s condition.

• Exterior: Walk around your car to identify dents, scratches, and scuffs. While minor dings are fine, you should be aware of how they impact value.
• Mechanical health: Take your vehicle on a short drive to ensure components like brakes, steering, and engines feel smooth.
• Interior gadgets: Check that all electronics, including the radio and air conditioning, are in working order.

Creating a list of the car’s imperfections will also help you estimate its trade-in value more accurately.

4. Gather All Essential Documents

Dealers will give you a higher value if you can demonstrate that your car has been properly maintained. Collect the following documents before visiting a dealer:

• Service Records: Proof of routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, or brake replacements. Organizing these records in a folder labeled “MAINTENANCE” makes a strong impression.
• Vehicle Title and Registration to confirm ownership.
• Warranty Information (if applicable): If any part of your car is still under warranty, provide proof.

5. Include All Accessories

Make sure to bring any items that originally came with the car, as missing pieces can impact the trade-in offer. These include spare keys, additional floor mats, navigation system DVDs or SD cards (if applicable), and the car manual for the glove compartment.

6. Determine Your Car’s Value

Knowing your car’s market value is key to setting expectations and negotiating. Use tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a trade-in estimate, factoring in imperfections like worn tires. Don’t forget to check for trade-in promotions, especially during end-of-year sales.

7. Keep Negotiations Separate

When talking to the dealer, avoid combining trade-in negotiations with the purchase price of your new car. Negotiate the trade-in value as a standalone transaction to get the best deal. Once that’s finalized, focus on the price of your new car.

What Not to Do

• Don’t Overspend on Repairs: Major repairs (e.g., replacing the transmission or suspension) are often not worth the cost. The dealer will lower the trade-in value to cover these repairs anyway.
• Don’t Wait Too Long: Cars depreciate over time. Trading in sooner can help you secure a higher value.
• Don’t Forget to Clear Personal Items: Removing personal clutter and resetting electronic data ensures a smoother and faster trade-in process.

Final Thoughts

Trading in your car can be a wise, stress-free way to secure credit toward a new vehicle, but preparation is key to maximizing its value. By cleaning the car, addressing minor issues, gathering all documents, and researching its worth, you’ll be well-equipped to negotiate the best possible deal.

When you’re ready to say goodbye to your current ride and hello to the car of your dreams, follow this step-by-step guide and visit CARMART for fast, hassle-free trading. Our trade and selling process is so easy, we’ll have you in and out with a newer, better car for the new year before you can say ho-ho-ho. Need help with getting everything in order? Our financing, service, and parts department can help you along! We look forward to seeing you at CARMART this holiday season!