When you’re a mom, there’s no shortage of things that are trying to make their way onto your already-jam-packed schedule. From playdates to grocery runs, parent-teacher meetings to chores around the house, and all that on top of trying to have a career, it’s clear moms have a lot to pay attention to.
One thing that they should absolutely not forget to care about, however, is regular car maintenance. If you’re like most moms, you spend hours every day behind the wheel of your car, driving from work to your kids’ school, or from piano lessons to a friend’s house, or across town to meet with an important business connection.
Your car goes through a lot. Consider these three primary reasons why car maintenance should go on the top of your list.
Reason 1: Safety First
Regular maintenance on your car is one of the most important ways that you can avoid an accident. If your tires are as bald as grandpa, there’s a good chance you could have a dangerous blowout and lose control on the highway. Most tires should be replaced every 30,000 miles or so to avoid any serious danger.
Brake pads are also another part of your car that you should prioritize fixing regularly. Every time you hit the brakes when traffic slows or some bozo cuts you off at a light, the pads in your car get a little worn. How often you replace your pads can depend on what brand they are and how heavy your car is. A good rule of thumb is to ask your mechanic to check on your brake pads every time you take your car in for an oil change or routine smog check.
Features like your transmission and engine are crucial for safety, too. You don’t want your car stalling out and dying on the side of the highway with your kids in the backseat. Of course, sometimes this is inevitable, which is why you should also invest in insurance that includes roadside assistance and towing.
Even if you have a nicer, newer car, regular upkeep is still important. Mercedes-Benz service is just as important as servicing a Corolla! Make sure you’re getting regular tune-ups and check-ups on your mama-mobile to keep your family safe.
Reason 2: Keeping your schedule manageable
If you think that taking your car in for a tune up will take too much time out of your busy schedule, you’ll really hate how much time gets eaten up by waiting on the side of the road for a tow truck to arrive, then going to the mechanic to get your car sorted out, and then getting hit with the bill for both.
Avoid that hassle by having your car maintenance happen on your own terms. By scheduling maintenance for your car, you ensure that rather than having repairs done when something breaks and you have no choice, you’re able to plan around the time that you’ve allotted to your car.
It can be annoying and may take a few hours out of your day, but taking your car in for tune-ups and oil changes as needed is much better for keeping your schedule manageable.
Reason 3: Set a good example for your kids
Whether they realize it or not, kids are hard-wired to imitate the things their parents do. So, when you’re thinking about how you can be the very best role model for your kids, an important thing you should keep in mind is being responsible about car maintenance.
Seeing their mom acting diligently when it comes to car repair will teach your kids the importance of being responsible with the things that they own. Plus, when it comes time for them to learn to drive or even buy their own car, you’ll have built a solid foundation of car-maintenance work ethic for your kids to draw from.
We get it – car maintenance is not most moms’ number one priority. It absolutely should be in your top 10 concerns, however. Your family spends hours every week sitting in your car dashing from here to there. You want your car to be safe for them.
Plus, by managing your schedule by planning for car maintenance, and in doing so setting a good example for your kids, car maintenance will make momming just that little big easier.