With ADHD, so many things can feel impossible to make happen. I have had so many situations where disorganization makes it feel impossible to maintain habits and discourages me from even starting. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Being able to implement monthly car checks can keep you safe and build habits throughout your life.

Why Do You Need To Check Your Car?

Your vehicle is an integral part of your everyday life, so checking it for any unusual damage or problems is a vital step in keeping you safe. These don’t have to be intense checks of every aspect of your vehicle; I usually focus on important parts like the lights, tires, and brakes.

Tires propel your car forward, so identifying and fixing uneven tire wear can save you from an accident down the road. Your lights and brakes also play vital roles in keeping your car safe on the road, so looking for any problems or scratches can also keep you safe.

You can check tires and lights while walking around your car, and brake problems are usually noticed while driving. But how do you make these checks a habit instead of a one-time thing?

Start Small

I’ve had so many situations where starting a new habit seems impossible with my ADHD, so I start with simple steps so that it isn’t too overwhelming. When you get home, check your car for any obvious issues. Take a walk around the car and inspect your lights and tires to see if you can identify any problems.

Think of it like you’re already getting out of the car; might as well take a look. It shouldn’t take you more than five minutes to do this, and it helps me get over my task paralysis, where a task feels overwhelming and I can’t get started.

Try Doing It Once a Week

I started to check my car at least once a week when I got home, which helped the habit form. Once you’ve checked your vehicle a few times, it will get easier to do it every week.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or done at the same time every week. ADHD can make it feel like you have to do it perfectly or not at all, but whenever you remember to check the car is a good place to start.

Don’t Be Discouraged By Messing Up

Forgetting is a part of life. I’ve forgotten to check my car, but it isn’t the end of the world. Don’t focus so much on the time you’re spending doing it, but rather on just moving forward. You can use phone notifications to remind you to check your car, or do it when you leave your vehicle.

Checking your car may seem like a daunting task, but it can go a long way toward keeping you safe. Dedicate a few minutes after getting out of your vehicle to inspect the tires and lights, and then you can say you’ve accomplished your check. You and I both know that ADHD makes it feel impossible to introduce new habits, but you can do it. Follow these quick steps and you’ll be driving confidently in your car.