It’s that bizarre period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, where the concept of time loses all meaning, ham and chocolate are still considered acceptable breakfast foods, and the blank pages of our new diaries gleam with promise. Consumed with excitement, we carefully and ever so neatly fill the pages of our sparkly new bullet journals with all our hopes, dreams and goals for the year ahead.

Maybe 2018 will be the year you finally start taking those piano lessons you’ve talked about for the last four years. Perhaps you’ll manage your finances better, get around to decorating the spare room, or simply make a bit more time for fun.

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions might be, we’ve got a few of our own to add to your list. We’re willing to bet that while you’ve been thinking about all the ways you want to improve yourself, your home and your career, you’ve probably forgotten all about the faithful little car sitting in your driveway.

So, to all the forgotten Fiat 500s out there, the neglected Nissan Qashqais and the poor, sad Seat Ibizas – this is for you.

1. I won’t let my petrol gauge drop into the danger zone.

If you’re all too familiar with the ‘low fuel’ warning screen on the dashboard, no stranger to the angry beeps of a car that’s desperately in need of a quick slurp of fuel, it’s not too late to win back your car’s love. Next time you drive past the petrol station on your way home from work and tell yourself you’ll top up first thing in the morning (knowing full well you’ll be running late and won’t have time), don’t put it off. It takes a second and your car will thank you for it.

Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about in the morning, when you’ll be running around, trying to eat breakfast, put your shoes on and stop the cat drinking your coffee at the same time.

2. I won’t leave my MOT until the last minute.

Every year you leave it super late and have no choice but to go to Dodgy Gary’s Discount Garage. Somehow, you still end up spending a fortune. This year, write yourself a little reminder a month or so before your MOT is due, find a reputable garage and get it booked in!

Don’t forget to get your car serviced as well…

3. I won’t use my car as an extension of my wardrobe.

Sure, having some spare warm clothes in case you break down is sensible. A pair of comfortable shoes to drive in? Could be useful. But 8 coats, 3 pairs of heels, a bag of clothes you’ve been meaning to take to the charity shop and a pair of smelly old wellies? Probably not essential. Clear out your boot and make sure you have the essentials, like an emergency breakdown kit.

As an added bonus, next time you go food shopping you won’t need to awkwardly stack bags on the back seat/in the footwells/on top of your passengers.

4. I will clean my car more than once a year.

Once all the clothes and shoes are back in your wardrobe it’s time to tackle the mounds of receipts, takeaway coffee cups and other miscellaneous wrappers that have made themselves at home in your footwells. If keeping your car clear and tidy is something you’re not great at, why not get one of these handy little car bins?

5. I will make sure my car suits my lifestyle.

Is your car no longer quite big enough for your growing family? Perhaps you need something more economical, or suited to city driving. Or maybe you just fancy an upgrade. 2018 could be the year you finally go for it - and we’re here to help.

Creditplus can offer great car finance deals on a wide range of cars. Go through our extensive car search or try out our armchair Find, Fund & Deliver service to have your new set of wheels selected, financed and delivered in no time.

If you’ve already chosen the perfect vehicle, apply for car finance today by filling out our simple, two-minute, no obligation form or call our friendly customer advisors on 0800 1777 290.