Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
Car care: your guide to start the new year on the road.
The beginning of a new year works almost like a reset button. We organise the house, set new goals, and rethink routines, but we often forget one of the companions we rely on most in our daily lives: the car. These early days of the year are the perfect moment to give it the attention it deserves.
Cleaning it, checking it and preparing it for everything 2026 may bring are essential steps. Ensuring your car is in good condition helps you avoid surprise trips to the mechanic and unexpected post-holiday expenses.
To make it easier, we’ve put together a practical checklist that supports your car care and keeps it feeling as good as new, just like the day it left the dealership.
Car care checklist to start the year with a car that feels new.
A simple set of regular checks avoids hassle, extends the life of your vehicle and, above all, increases safety. Many issues show early signs long before they turn into breakdowns, all you need is a little attention. This car care checklist is suitable for any driver, regardless of location.
Exterior cleaning: first impressions matter.
A thorough wash removes dirt that, if left to build up, can damage the paintwork. Pay special attention to doors, wheels and grilles, where dirt tends to accumulate. Occasional waxing also protects the bodywork, supports car care and helps maintain the "like-new” look for longer.
Interior cleaning: comfort and well-being.
Vacuuming the floors, seats and boot, dusting the dashboard and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces brings back that fresh-car feeling. Have you noticed damp carpets or persistent smells inside the car? These can be early signs of hidden leaks.
Tyres: your only contact with the road.
Make sure the pressure is correct, including the spare tyre, and look for uneven wear or sidewall cuts. A tyre in poor condition increases fuel or energy consumption and reduces safety, especially on rainy days.
Oil and fluids: the basics that prevent headaches.
Even without mechanical knowledge, it is easy to check whether fluid levels are within the recommended range. Look at engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and power steering fluid. Low levels are early alerts that, identified on time, prevent costly repairs.
Wiper blades: see clearly, react quicker.
If they streak, skip across the glass or make noise, it’s time to replace them. Fresh blades dramatically improve visibility in seconds.
Battery: energy for every start.
Weak starts, dimming lights or occasional radio failures may indicate battery wear. Batteries don’t last forever and a yearly check is a good way to avoid being left stranded at the worst possible moment. After all, no one wants to start the year stuck on the side of the road.
Brakes: confidence at every stop.
Metallic noises, steering-wheel vibrations or a soft pedal should be checked by a professional. Even without symptoms, periodic inspections are key to safe driving.
Lights: see and be seen.
Check them all: low beams, high beams, indicators, fog lights and brake lights. It’s quick and boosts both your safety and visibility.
Safety items and special care for children.
Make sure your warning triangle and reflective vest are in place, and consider keeping a small first-aid kit in the boot. If you drive with children, review the condition of their car seat or booster seat:
- Is it correctly installed.
- Does the harness work smoothly.
- Is there visible wear or damage.
- Is it still suitable for the child’s weight and height.
- A well-installed seat is just as important as any mechanical check, a key part of responsible car care.
Small checks that help you avoid big surprises.
Unusual sounds, strange smells or a change in exhaust colour can all signal early issues. Listening to your car and scheduling simple inspections is na importante parte of car care, helping reduces risks, saves money and makes every journey calmer.
What if you want a car that feels new all year long?
Not everyone has the time or the patience to deal with maintenance schedules, fluid checks, tyre replacements, roadside assistance or sudden mechanical puzzles.
For those who prefer driving a recent vehicle without worrying about unexpected repairs, monthly car subscription or long-term car subscription is a good option.
At Xtracars, car subscription follows the logic of a streaming service. You use the car for as long as you need it and cancel when it no longer fits your routine. Simple, flexible and without long term commitments.
Car subscription at Xtracars includes:
Insurance against third parties and own damage subject to an excess.
- 24-hour roadside assistance.
- Replacement car.
- Maintenance and breakdowns.
- Tire replacement.
- 1500 km/month.
For families, there is also the option to include a child seat or booster seat, offering extra support for those who are always carrying their world with them. It is a practical and modern way to ensure consistent car care and enjoy a vehicle that feels like new every month, without complications.
Start the year going further with simpler car care.
Some people start the year by organising drawers, others by completely changing their routines, some remember to check their car, and others set ambitious New Year resolutions. Others prefer to begin the year with something simpler: the peace of mind of car care that keeps a vehicle feeling like new and always ready for the journeys ahead.
After all, every new beginning feels better when the road is uncomplicated. That is why exploring flexible mobility solutions can make sense. Everything points to these models becoming one of the mobility trends of 2026, helping simplify everyday car care when you need a vehicle the most.
Whether it is long trips, daily commutes or short drives around the city, this could be the year you take the road on your own terms. And while you are at it... do not forget to add the Xtracars subscription to your wish list. Perhaps your next fresh start will not come from a resolution, but from an Xtracars key ready to hit the road and a simpler approach to car care.