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Rekindle the spark: Relationship rescue for your partner and your car. Find out about an interesting survey completed by BP Gasoline regarding our relationship with our vehicles and our loved ones.
(ARA) – No doubt about it, the economic downturn has definitely put a strain on most Americans’ pocketbooks, but according to a new survey, it is also having an affect on Americans’ personal relationships, changing how they keep them fresh and healthy.
Since the economy soured, 78 percent of adults said they spend about the same or less time and effort maintaining their romantic relationships, according to the BP “Renew Your Vows and Valves Survey.” The same survey of more than 1,000 car owners ages 30 to 59 revealed that 90 percent spend the same or less time and effort maintaining their cars, despite the fact that almost 80 percent said the economy may keep them in their current vehicles longer than expected.
Relationship expert and psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig says that during tough financial times, consumers are prone to revisit their existing partnerships and assets and may discover that they have taken things for granted over time.
“In the beginning of any relationship, people and objects are often looked at through rose-colored glasses,” Ludwig says. “There is an illusion that the things we rely on and care about will always be there and work for us.”
“Over the course of time, it’s important that we embrace the realities and flaws of our existing relationships, focus on their strengths and embrace the fact that the little things we do go a long way,” says Ludwig.
You can put the spark back into your relationship with your significant other and reignite the love affair with your vehicle by following a few simple tips:
Your Relationships With Loved Ones
* Less than 10 percent of the married adults polled in the BP survey have renewed their vows. Ludwig suggests renewing your vows, but keep in mind you don’t have to walk down the aisle again to do so. “A simple ‘I love you’ says it all,” Ludwig says. “Or write your vows on a piece of paper and recite them to each other over dinner.”
* Small acts of thoughtfulness and support go a long way. For example, if you know your partner is running late for work, start his car for him in the morning – an especially nice gesture during colder months. Compliments and daily greetings are also appreciated.
* Record important relationship dates in your calendar. Don’t forget anniversary dates or your partner’s birthday. Acknowledge these dates with some small gesture that doesn’t have to break the bank. Fifty five percent of adults intend to spend less money this year on birthday and anniversary gifts because of the economy, the survey shows. Instead of a big “to-do,” try cooking dinner or writing a home-made love note.
Your Love Affair With Your Vehicle
While Americans rely on their cars for the pragmatics and enjoyments of life, Ludwig says, that same car requires proper and consistent care and maintenance.
“While your significant other relies on you to love him or her unconditionally, a car relies on you for regular check-ups and maintenance too,” says Ludwig. “That means that just as you renew your ‘vows’ or commitment to your significant other, it also pays to renew your ‘vows,’ or in this case ‘valves,’ with your vehicle.”
By following a few simple tips from BP, you can pledge your love to your vehicle and vow to help it run younger for longer.
* Run Your Car Through A Neighborhood Car Wash Once A Week.
Dust, debris, salt and sludge can accumulate on the outside of your vehicle throughout the year. Taking your car through a car wash will protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and clean.
* Check The Air Pressure In Your Tires Each Season.
Remember to inspect tread depth and sidewalls for hairline cracks or any signs of deterioration. Be sure to replace your tires when the tread wears down to 1/16 of an inch.
* Fill Up With A Quality Fuel.
At the pump, be sure to fill up with a quality fuel like BP gasoline with Invigorate to help your car run younger for longer. BP gasoline with Invigorate offers a unique cleaning formula that helps keep engines clean. A cleaner engine performs more like that of a new vehicle, keeping cars running younger for longer – which can help restore fuel economy lost to a dirty engine, minimize exhaust emissions, and result in smoother acceleration with reduced hesitation.
* Replenish Fluids.
To ensure a smoother ride, check the level of all your car’s fluids weekly and replenish when needed.
For more information on BP gasoline with Invigorate, visit bpinvigorate.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
“BP gasoline with Invigorate” and “younger for longer” are registered trademarks.