Avoiding these habits can go a long way in preventing an expensive repair bill.
Most things you own will last longer if you take care of
them and treat them well. Your car is no exception to this rule. While
neglecting your car may seem harmless in the short term, regular neglect and
mistreatment will add up and will reduce your car’s lifespan. To keep your car
running longer and stronger, avoid these five harmful habits.
1. Delaying regular maintenance
Regularly maintaining your car is vital to your car’s
longevity. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter replacement, as well as
transmission fluid, air filter and brake pad
care. Every vehicle manufacturer specifies a different maintenance routine,
which can be found in your owner’s manual. While regular maintenance requires
you to invest some time and money, it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a new
engine or transmission.
2. Ignoring dash warning lights
When a warning indicator lights up on your dash panel, it’s
important to address the problem immediately. If you don’t know what the light
means, check your owner’s manual or call your mechanic. Dash warning lights can
alert you to some very serious problems, such as a coolant leak, which can cause your engine to
overheat. A simple preventative repair can
often prevent a large problem down the line.
3. Shifting while moving
The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive
parts in your car and it’s important to use is as it was intended. Be careful
not to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the car is still moving.
This “jerky” shifting places excess strain on the transmission’s internal gears
and can instantly destroy it.
4. Jerky driving
We all know someone who accelerates wildly on every
straightaway only to brake hard at a traffic light or stop sign. This
type of driving won’t destroy your car immediately, but will cause your engine,
transmission and brake system to deteriorate much more quickly than
intended. Cars that have been abused will have premature fluid leaks, broken
seals and mechanical problems.
5. Putting off tire replacement
Tires for some cars can be expensive, so replacing them is
an unwelcome cost. Driving on bald tires is very risky, however. If a tire
blows out while you’re driving, you can lose control of your vehicle and have a
serious accident. And if you drive with bald tires in the rain, the risk of
hydroplaning goes up tremendously. A new set of tires may seem
pricey, but probably costs less than your car, and even less than
your insurance deductible.
