Did you know that driver error causes over 90% of car accidents? This doesn’t just mean crashes. Your driving habits can also seriously hurt your car’s health. Simple changes to the way you drive can extend the life of your vehicle and save you money. Let’s look at five common driving mistakes that damage cars and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
Driving Braking & Acceleration
Aggressive driving is a big problem. It puts stress on your car’s parts. When you drive hard, things wear out quicker. You’ll be paying for repairs sooner than you think.
Excessive Brake Use
Slamming on the brakes is bad news. It wears down your brake pads and rotors fast. All that hard stopping makes tons of heat. This can warp the rotors and make your brakes less effective.
Actionable Tip: Look ahead and slow down early. Take your foot off the gas sooner. This saves your brakes and your gas.
Rapid Acceleration
Flooring it might feel fun. But it’s hard on your engine and transmission. The tires will wear out faster as well. Plus, you’ll waste a lot of gas.
Actionable Tip: Ease onto the gas pedal. Accelerate smoothly and control your speed. Your car and wallet will thank you.
Ignoring Routine Maintenance
Missing your car’s checkups is a major error. Regular maintenance keeps your car running well. It also helps catch small problems before they become big, expensive ones.
Skipping Oil Changes
Engine oil is your engine’s lifeblood. It keeps things lubricated and cool. Dirty or low oil can cause serious damage. Always follow your owner’s manual for oil change info.
Actionable Tip: Set reminders for oil changes. Use mileage or time to track when it’s time. This keeps your engine purring.
Delaying Filter Replacements
Air, fuel, and cabin filters are important. They keep dirt and debris out of vital systems. Clogged filters hurt engine performance and air quality.
Actionable Tip: Check your filters often. Replace them when needed. A clean filter makes a happy engine.
Overlooking Fluid Checks
Coolant, brake fluid, and other fluids are vital. Low levels can cause overheating or poor braking. Always keep them topped off.
Actionable Tip: Check your fluids monthly. It’s a quick way to spot leaks and prevent issues.
Riding the Brakes or Clutch
“Riding” your brakes or clutch means using them lightly, even when you don’t need to. This causes needless wear and tear.
Riding the Brakes
Keeping your foot lightly on the brake heats things up. It wears down your brake pads and rotors super fast. It’s a common cause of early brake repairs.
Actionable Tip: Take your foot off the brake. Only use it when you need to slow down. Let your car coast when safe.
Riding the Clutch
Holding the clutch pedal partway down is a no-no. It wears out the clutch disc quickly. It can also cause the clutch to slip, which makes it hard to shift.
Actionable Tip: Fully press the clutch when shifting. Let it out completely when you’re not. This keeps your clutch in good shape.
Potholes & Speed Bumps
Road hazards can really mess up your car. Potholes and speed bumps can damage your tires, suspension, and alignment.
Hitting Potholes at High Speed
A big pothole can cause serious harm. Tires can get sidewall bulges or blowouts. Wheels can bend, and suspension parts can break. You could even knock your car out of alignment.
Actionable Tip: Slow down when you see potholes. Try to steer around them if it’s safe. Protect those tires.
Speeding Over Speed Bumps
Flying over speed bumps is bad for your car. It strains the suspension, undercarriage, and exhaust. Take it easy!
Actionable Tip: Go slow over speed bumps. Approach them straight on. It’s much kinder to your car.
Short Trips & Idling
Quick trips and too much idling can hurt your car. They prevent the engine from running at its best.
Frequent Short Trips
Short trips don’t let the engine warm up enough. This causes incomplete combustion and moisture buildup, which can be tough on engine parts.
Related: How Engine Temperature Affects Performance
Actionable Tip: Combine short errands into one trip. This lets your engine warm up fully. It’s better for your car and the environment.
Prolonged Idling
Letting your car idle wastes gas. It also causes carbon buildup and shortens oil life. Turn off the engine when you’re stopped for more than a minute.
Actionable Tip: Shut off your engine when waiting. It saves gas and reduces wear.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These are five driving habits that will damage your car. Be mindful of how you drive. Avoid harsh braking, keep up with maintenance, and be careful on rough roads. These small changes can save you big money and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Implement these easy tips to avoid car repairs. Don’t forget to share this article with other drivers.
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