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Lose weight. Exercise more. Meh. We are car people with bigger vehicular goals in mind. So here are New Year’s resolutions to make life better for a gearhead in 2023.
Get Those Tools Organized
Are you tired of being the guy who plops tools anywhere and can’t find anything? Enough is enough. This is the year that you get your workspace organized.
It’s not that hard. Start by designating a specific space to store all your tools, perhaps a corner of your garage or a closet. Then, invest in a state-of-the-art tool chest. Expert tip: Buy a system larger than your present needs, allowing your tool collection to grow.
Space dividers and organizers help keep each drawer in order. Wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers are especially critical to keep organized. Removable organizers allow you to quickly move socket sets around to verify the required size. When a task is finished, return organizers to the tool chest and restore everything to order. Discipline!
Finally, label shelves or drawers so you know where everything is without having to open tons of drawers. A label maker or a set of magnetic labels simplifies the process. A spare roll of tape and a Sharpie are the no-cost way to get on the right track.
Sell Leftover Stuff on eBay
Work on a car long enough, and you will end up with spare parts. Maybe you bought something that you thought would work but didn’t. Or you purchased two pieces and only needed one. Regardless, it’s easy to end up with a slew of parts you don’t need. Selling those extraneous items has multiple benefits.
First, you’ll make space in your garage (helping to achieve the first resolution of getting organized). More than that, selling those leftovers earns cash to buy the parts you actually need. And if any of those parts don’t work out as planned, you’ll be in the habit of selling them on eBay before the pile grows out of control. Your significant other will appreciate the effort.
Wax On, Wax Off
A new year is a perfect time to refresh your car’s paint with a fresh coat of protection. Even the best Carnauba waxes wear off, and high-tech sealants need periodic refreshing. So take advantage of wintertime downtime and show your ride some love.
A quick wash, clay bar, polish, and wax is an excellent way to ring in the new year. Even if you’re lucky enough to park your car in a garage, it needs an annual wax. Getting it done at the beginning of the year prepares you for the year of driving ahead.
Go to the Races or a World-Class Car Show
This is the year that you stop putting off your dream of attending the Indianapolis 500, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, or the NHRA US Nationals. What are you waiting for? F1 is coming to Las Vegas for the first time in 2023. Book it now.
Splurge a little and upgrade your track ticket to access VIP areas or seats close to the fence line. If you haven’t been to a race in a while, you will be amazed at how fan-friendly these events have become. Seeing, hearing, and feeling your favorite race cars zoom by is a rush that has to be experienced.
Take a Road Trip
There’s no time like the present to take that epic road trip on your bucket list. Want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway while listening to the Beach Boys? Resolve to do it in 2023. What about cruising the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina? Make it happen. Want to get your kicks on Route 66? Put it on the calendar.
A road trip is a great way to decompress and enjoy life. There are plenty of back roads and two-lane twisties in every region of the US. Get out there.
We suggest planning a tentative itinerary but leaving room for improvisation and changes. You can conduct online research before you take off. But also ask the locals along the way if there are spots to discover. They might suggest a local junkyard—ahem, automotive recycling center—that could have the coveted part you need. Or they might recommend a restaurant with a delectable local dish you shouldn’t miss. Life is short. Enjoy 2023!
We hope you like these suggested New Year’s resolutions. Suggest your own in the comments below.
