Turns out there's a wee little chunk of our brain responsible for habit creation called the striatum.  When you repeat an action, this little chunk of tissue identifies a cue to link to that action.  This cue is hard coded into a routine so the brain can perform the action automatically, freeing up mental power for decision making, higher reasoning, etc. The brain then rewards itself with a shot of dopamine for running the routine, thus further reinforcing the new habit.

Cue -- Routine -- Reward

It's a cool little setup until your brain stops giving attention to things it should and relies on autopilot.  Ever leave the house for work and then arrive at the office not really remembering the trip?  How about reaching with your foot for a clutch pedal in a car with an automatic transmission?  That's the striatum at work...

The cool thing is that you can hack this process to create new, positive habits.  Start checking the engine oil and coolant level in your van before the first trip of every day (you are checking your fluids, right?).  Repeat this daily even though it may feel awkward and forced; all the while your striatum is making it a habit.  Pretty soon you'll walk to the back of your van each morning without consciously thinking about it and your van will live a longer, happier life because of it.

Think about all the ways that the ability to hack your habits can help you be a better van owner, better driver, or even a better person:

• Link the routine of checking your brake fluid level (which is easy to dismiss because it's hidden in the dash) to the cue of filling up your gas tank.
• Link a van walkaround pre-drive check to unlocking the driver's door.
• Link all the things that you know you should be doing as a van pilot driving an aging vehicle to easy cues and they'll end up done without your mechanic guilting you into them after an expensive repair.
• Link a kind word to a store checkout experience (even though you may not be feeling particularly kind that day).

The potential is endless!

And on that note, check out all the Vanagon maintenance items we have at Van Cafe!
When was the last time you checked your wipers?
How are your brakes doing?
Is your van losing pep?  Check out our tune up kits.

Create the Van Cafe habit and be rewarded with real humans bringing you innovative accessories and quality repair parts at great prices!

Your van will thank you!