Whether you are an aggressive driver or a lackadaisical driver, you probably have driving habits you don’t realize are prematurely aging your car. If you’re typical, you’re probably guilty of at least one of the following six driving habits you need to stop to prolong the life of your car. Knowledge is power. Once you know your driving habits are damaging your car, you’ll have a reason to break them!
Driving with ¼ Tank of Gas or Less
If you tend to drive your car until your fuel-level indicator light comes on, stop! The less gas is in your tank, the more air your fuel pump is able to suck in. This air generates heat and can cause your pump to wear out prematurely. Additionally, if your nearly empty fuel tank contains dirt, that dirt could clog your fuel filter.
Driving With Quick Starts and Stops
Do you possess a need for speed and tend to floor the gas pedal the moment a red light turns green? Do you speed up when you see a stoplight turn yellow and slam on your brakes when you realize you can’t beat the light? Not only are you wasting gas, you’re also taxing your brakes and stressing your engine.
Coasting into Gear
Do you ever roll out of a parking space and pop your car into drive while your car is still moving backwards? If the car is still moving when you do this it can cause damage to the transmission. Also, never shift into park until you’ve come to a complete stop. You can damage or break the locking pin that’s used to keep your transmission in park.
Neglecting Your Vehicle’s Tires
Your car’s tires are critical for effective braking and steering. When you are driving with worn, misaligned or underinflated tires, you’re significantly jeopardizing your ability to control you vehicle and you’ll notice your ride is much bumpier too. Next time you need new tires, make sure to consult a skilled automotive technician to learn how to select the right tires for your driving needs.
Riding the Brakes
If you’re in the habit of driving with one foot on the brake and the other on the gas, you’re causing undue wear on your brakes. You’re also running the risk of confusing drivers behind you who see your brake lights and, in turn, slam on their own brakes. Unless you want to be the cause of a multi-vehicle collision, stop riding the brakes.
Ignoring Unusual Car Noises
If your car begins making a noise it typically doesn’t make, it’s actually trying to tell you something. It’s saying “take me to a service center to get checked out ASAP!” The longer you let an unfamiliar sound go on, the more damage your car may incur.
Bonus Tip: Here’s How Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
Following your vehicle’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule is not a driving habit, but it is certainly a good habit. Preventive maintenance is an ideal opportunity for an auto repair and maintenance professional to assess your vehicle’s overall condition and red-flag potential trouble spots. It is always less expensive and more convenient to identify a potential problem and address it before it manifests into something that requires expensive repair.
If your vehicle is due for preventive maintenance or you hear unusual noises, suspect your tires are worn or want to have your brakes checked, contact us at DeBoer’s Auto Sales & Service in Hamburg.
