Driving Mistakes That Damage Your Car

Your car is an essential part of your life. The vehicle gets you from point A to B, enables you to transport cargo, and can even be a source of fun with friends.

Cars are also significant investments, so you want to do everything you can to keep your car running optimally. And while regular

maintenance and tune-ups are part of a healthy car ownership regimen, your driving habits can also be a significant factor in ensuring your car's longevity.

Unfortunately, some drivers are unaware of driving mistakes that can damage their vehicles. Discover some driving habits that may harm your car.

Driving Too Fast

Over-speeding not only endangers your life but can also impact the performance of your car. First, driving too fast harms your car's efficiency. The faster your speed, the more fuel you're burning, which can lead to higher bills at the pump.

Also, driving over the speed limit puts a greater strain on your car's engine and other engine components, which may cause premature wear and tear.

Not Replacing Worn-Out Tires

Tire treads are incredibly important for your car's safety, handling, and fuel economy. Under-inflated tires can reduce your car's stability, increase stopping distance, accelerate tire wear, and lower fuel efficiency. Over-inflated tires can reduce traction and also increase stopping distances and cause accelerated tire wear.

Tires start to wear out over time, so ensure you're routinely inspecting the condition of your tires and replacing them when needed.

Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

Your dashboard is a valuable source of information about the condition of your car. So when a warning light comes on, it's important to take the necessary steps to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Ignoring dashboard warning lights can lead to serious problems, such as engine damage and expensive repairs that could have been avoided if you had paid more attention.

Riding the Clutch

Riding the clutch is when you keep your foot on the pedal for too long while driving. This habit can cause the clutch to wear down prematurely and require replacement sooner than necessary.

Properly use the clutch by shifting quickly and efficiently when changing gears. This step reduces unnecessary stress on the components and minimizes the chances of wear.

Ignoring Potholes

Potholes can be major problems for your car's suspension and alignment. If you spot a pothole, try to avoid it. If that's not possible, drive over the pothole as slowly and smoothly as possible to reduce any shock or jolt on your car.

If you hit a pothole, check your alignment and suspension afterward. Uneven wear of your tire treads later could indicate that something is wrong and needs to be repaired.

Idling For Too Long

Modern cars don't need to warm up before driving. Idling for too long wastes fuel, emits pollutants, and can contribute to unnecessary wear and tear on your engine components. For example, if you're sitting in your car at a drive-thru or waiting for someone for some minutes, turn off the engine.

Ignoring Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Don't wait until your car shows signs of trouble to take it in for service. Visiting a mechanic regularly for inspections and tune-ups can help identify any potential problems before they become serious, saving you money on repair costs in the long run.

For example, an oil change can help keep your engine healthy and running smoothly, while a tire rotation helps maintain even wear on your tires.

Understanding what causes damage to your car can help you make smarter driving decisions that will benefit you and your vehicle. Mind the mistakes above, and most importantly, entrust your car care to a reputable mechanic.

You can trust us at Powers Transmissions for all your car maintenance and repair needs. We're a one-stop auto repair shop, and besides tuning up your car, we will advise you on the best practices to keep your car in good shape. Contact us for a consultation.