Five New Year's resolutions to help you become a better driver and car owner

2024 has given us many exciting developments in the automotive industry, including new cars to enjoy and more innovations on the horizon. However, as the industry continues to evolve, drivers must adapt as well. Based on some major trends and happenings that we experienced back in 2024, we’re dedicating this article to five resolutions you can adopt for 2025 to become a better driver and car owner.

In 2024, there was a significant crackdown on illegally parked cars along roadsides, with most offenders being car owners who treated sidewalks as their personal parking spaces. This behavior is not only against the law but also highly inconsiderate to pedestrians and other homeowners.

This year, ensure that in addition to the usual considerations when buying a car—such as space, specifications, and features—you also include garage space on your checklist. Before completing the sale on your new ride, ask yourself: 'Will it fit in my driveway? Does my barangay allow street parking? More importantly, will I inconvenience others if I park here?' Trust us, checking these things off will not only ensure your car has a safe place to stay but also give you peace of mind, knowing it’s not obstructing anyone.

According to a study conducted by Indiana University on the role of human error in car accidents, their findings based in the United States showed that human error was the primary factor in 93 percent of the collisions analyzed. The top three human errors contributing to these crashes were: Inattentiveness, speeding, and improper lookout.

The study also highlighted that environmental factors were the main cause in 12 percent to 34 percent of accidents, while only four percent to 13 percent involved mechanical issues or other problems with the vehicles involved.

What does this mean? It’s straightforward: in addition to making sure the mechanical components of your vehicle are in good condition, you must also prioritize your well-being before driving. If you feel sleepy, dizzy, or exhausted, don’t force yourself—pull over and take a rest.

We don’t mean this literally; what we’re trying to say is to be extra attentive and cautious on the road. We’re sure you’ve already encountered your fair share of 'kamote' drivers on the road, and while the rise of careless drivers is certainly alarming, it means that we must exercise even greater care every time we hit the road. This year, push back against the 'diskarte' culture that’s growing increasingly popular on the road by being a safe and cautious driver.

A great driving habit to adopt in 2025 is paying closer attention to speed limits and how fast you’re driving. Driving at a controlled pace not only makes you safer on the road but can also help you save money at the pump.

Follow the posted speed limit on both private and public roads, and commit to memory the maximum allowable speed limit for each type of road. Going full throttle on twisty mountain roads may be exciting, but it can be dangerous, especially if you exceed the limits of your car or, worse, your driving skill. For 2025, “takbong pogi” is a phrase to live by—control your speed and keep your cool, and you’ll get to your destination eventually.

Inspecting your car is a great way to not only monitor your car’s health but also to prevent breakdowns in the middle of the road. Give your car a once over once in a while, start by checking the tires—inspect their tread depth, and sidewalls, and ensure they are properly inflated. Under the hood, check the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels, making sure they are within the recommended ranges. Additionally, look at the belts and hoses for signs of wear or cracking. Inside the car, test the brakes, lights, wipers, and all essential controls to ensure they are functioning correctly. Lastly, take the car for a short test drive to listen for any unusual noises or vibrations, helping you assess its overall performance.

Have we inspired you to make a few changes to the way you drive? Perhaps we can also inspire you to shop for a new ride as well. Check out the comprehensive Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph, and don’t forget to download the AutoDeal app for iOS and Android to browse and shop for all the new cars available in the Philippine market today.