Common Habits That Will Actually Ruin Your Vehicle In The Long Run
Purchasing and owning a car is a significant milestone for many individuals. Along with the pride and responsibility of ownership, it is crucial to adopt habits that promote the longevity of your vehicle. Unfortunately, there are certain practices that may unknowingly harm your car. By avoiding these habits, you can help ensure that your car lasts as long as possible.
Read on through this list of bad habits and leave a comment if you were doing any of these without realizing it!
Mixing Up Brake Fluid And Power Steering Fluid
Confusing a one-pint bottle of brake fluid with power steering fluid can have serious consequences for your vehicle. Many people mistakenly use the wrong fluid in either system, leading to potentially costly repairs. Using power steering fluid in the brake system can result in complete brake failure, necessitating the replacement of various components such as calipers, wheel cylinders, proportioning valve, master cylinder, and potentially ABS components.
On the other hand, brake fluid, which is not a lubricant, can cause issues in the power steering system, such as pump and steering gear problems when used in the steering reservoir.
Carrying A Heavy Key Chain
Carrying a bulky key chain with multiple keys, including car keys, home keys, and office keys, can pose a risk to your vehicle's ignition system. The weight and movement of a heavy key chain can cause wear and tear on the ignition tumblers over time.
To prevent potential ignition failure, it is advisable to use a lightweight key chain that separates your car key from the rest of your keys. This reduces the strain on the ignition and minimizes the risk of tumbler damage. If you notice that your key sticks or encounters difficulty when turning the ignition, it could be a sign of impending ignition failure.
Read More: If You Own These Cars, You're More Likely To Be Pulled Over By A Cop
Driving On A Cold Engine
When starting a modern, fuel-injected car in cold weather, it is generally okay to start the engine right away. However, it is still advisable to wait for around 30 seconds to allow the oil to circulate properly from the oil pan to the engine components. On the other hand, if you are driving an older carbureted vehicle, it is recommended to let it warm up before setting off.
During the warm-up period, it is best to avoid full-throttle acceleration. Cold temperatures make it harder for gasoline to vaporize, resulting in poor combustion and less efficient operation.
Waiting Too Long To Refuel
Are you one of those people who waits until the fuel light comes on to fill up your gas tank? And then you eke out a few more miles before you actually get to the gas station? Then you need to change your ways.
It's bad to wait for the refuel light because debris and dirt that settles on the bottom of the gas tank can start to move through the engine, which is never a good thing. So keep an eye on your gas gauge and fill it up sooner rather than later.
Overfilling The Tires
Some people think that will get more mileage if they overfill their tires. However, this is the last thing you want to do because it can cause a rougher ride as well as premature tire wear. Also, tires with too much air in them won't stop as quickly.
Another problem is this can all cause the suspension to wear out more quickly than usual. Tires with too much air in them absorb less vibration, which can wear out the struts, shocks, springs, ball joints, and more.
Using The Wrong Grade Fuel
It can be tempting to fill your car's gas tank with cheap fuel in order to save a buck or two. However, using less than premium fuels can lead to costly engine damage in the long run.
If your vehicle's manufacturer recommends premium-grade fuel and you use regular fuel instead, it's a recipe for disaster. This practice can lead to driving problems and warning lights, neither of which you want to experience.
Ignoring The Low Oil Pressure Light
Don't ignore that light on your dashboard that warns you about low oil pressure. Either your vehicle is dangerously low on oil or completely out of it. It may also mean the oil pump is failing, there's a pressure drop, or oil is clogged. None of these are good scenarios.
If you continue to drive your vehicle when it's low on oil or totally out of it, your engine will be destroyed. This can cost thousands of dollars.
Not Keeping Up With Regular Oil Changes
If there's one thing you should always make sure you do to maintain your vehicle, it's changing the oil at regular intervals. This is particularly important if you do a lot of city driving.
In fact, some experts recommend changing your oil even more frequently than the recommended intervals. That way, corrosive materials will stay out of the engine, and your vehicle will be serviceable for a longer period of time. Many vehicles today have recommended intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Letting Your Vehicle Sit Too Long
You need to run your vehicle regularly. If you let it sit for too long, the battery will die, and the tires will eventually become misshapen. Plus, stale gasoline can wreak havoc on the engine.
If possible, store your vehicle in an indoor location if you won't be driving it for a while. Wash it to protect the paint, overfill the tires, and soak some mothballs in peppermint to prevent rodents from getting inside of it. Also, use a trickle charger to keep the battery operational.
Neglecting To Wash It
Many people put off washing their cars because they know they're simply going to get dirty over and over again. However, it's very important to wash your vehicle regularly for a couple of different reasons. One, it protects the paint. Two, it reduces the odds that it will rust.
It's really important that you spray the underside of the vehicle, particularly in the winter when salt and other debris can corrode the bare metal of the chassis. Experts recommend a good car washing every 10 days or so.
Washing Your Vehicle With Dish Soap
Dishwashing liquid is meant to break down oil, grease, and food, but it's not designed for car paint, clear coat, or wax. Instead, it will strip off the wax and essential oils used in paints and sealants that provide UV protection.
Soap specifically designed for car washing removes dirt and grease but leaves the surface wax and oils, which are designed to protect the paint. These products are also biodegradable, which is better for the environment.
Ignoring That Squealing Sound
If you've been driving for a while, at some point you've probably heard a squeal when you've hit the brakes. Or maybe you've been in someone else's car and heard their brakes squeal, so you know exactly what we're talking about. Don't ignore that sound.
Typically, this means you need a new set of brake pads, which only cost an average of $200. We say 'only' because if you wait until the brakes get really bad, you will eventually need a bigger repair job that can cost upwards of $2,000.
Driving When The Wheels Are Improperly Aligned
Many people neglect to properly align their vehicles, but this is an important part of car care. Improper wheel alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly. If it's not caught soon enough, premature wear and tear will affect your driving. This, in turn, can be unsafe, cause an accident, and even affect fuel economy.
Alignment issues should be dealt with as soon as possible so as not to cause any problems with the tires. After all, premature wear and tear will require you to purchase new tires sooner than you need to.
Forgetting To Clean Under The Hood
Many car owners realize that the exteriors of their vehicles should be cleaned on a regular basis, but they forget to clean under the hood. It's important to do so because over time sludge and debris can build up on the engine. It's unsightly and potentially damaging.
This detritus can shorten your engine's lifespan, which over time will cost you money. That's why keeping the engine clean is just as important as washing the roof, hood, and wheels.
Slamming On The Brakes
Slamming on the brakes is never a good thing. It could mean that you're not paying attention until the last moment, which is a bad thing, or it means something happens on the road that causes you to hit the brakes quickly.
Either way, if you slam the brakes on a regular basis, it can adversely affect the brake pads and motors. Over time, you'll have to replace these parts more often then you would if you were a little more gentle on the brake pedal.
Referring To The Tire For The Correct Pressure
If you want to know how much pressure you need in your tires, always refer to the sticker that's inside the driver-side door. Never use the pressure that's listed on the tire. That's because those tires may be used on a variety of different cars, each of which requires a different pressure.
For the most accurate reading, use a digital pressure gauge on the tires when they're cold. If you use the wrong pressure, it can adversely affect the handling, safety, and fuel economy.
Resting Your Hand On The Shift Knob
Not many new cars are sold with manual transmissions these days, but there are still some drivers who prefer a stick to an automatic transmission. Plus, there are plenty of vintage enthusiasts who drive vehicles with manual transmissions.
But one no-no when it comes to these cars is resting your hand on the shift knob. Although it may feel natural to do so, this can cause premature wear and tear to the transmission's components.
Driving Fast All The Time
We get it, some people like driving fast. Obviously, there's a time and place to do so (not in places like residential neighborhoods with children around). But there are other reasons why you should take your time and not drive like a speed demon.
The problem is that repeated acceleration and braking is really bad for your suspension and tires. Both will wear down prematurely. So, if you want to avoid costly repairs, try to curb your excessive speeding.
Buying Cheap, Wrong, Or Discount Parts
Some drivers do their own vehicle maintenance and try to cut corners by using cheap, incorrect, or substandard parts and fluids. This is not a good idea. For example, you need to be sure that you use the right viscosity oil when you do an oil change instead of buying what happens to be on sale at the store.
Also, when you're shopping for spark plugs, make sure they have the correct heat range. As for fuel and air filters, choose brands that you know and that are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or better.
Hitting Potholes
A vehicle's suspension is designed to soften road imperfections, but there are some bumps that are too large for it to support. And while it can be challenging to avoid every single pothole you come across, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for them.
If you drive through a pothole at a high speed (i.e., anything faster than a slow crawl), then you can seriously damage your vehicle's rims and brake struts. This can lead to expensive repairs.
That Check Engine Light Is Probably Not Critical
Some people get really stressed out when the check engine light pops up on the dashboard, but there's a good chance that it's merely letting you know that a minor issue is occurring, such as a problem with the exhaust system. It’s okay if you don’t address it right away unless you have a really old car.
Eventually, you’ll have to get it checked out, but it’s usually not a big deal if you can’t do it expeditiously. However, if the check engine light starts flashing make sure you get it checked out ASAP.
Not All Mechanics Are Top Notch
Do your research when looking for a reputable repair shop. It can be hard to find a good mechanic, so you may need to shop around a bit before you settle. You can also ask friends, family members, and locals for advice.
You know a mechanic is good if he or she thoroughly explains the repairs required and has some options for you to consider. Don't just go to the closest shop because it may not be the best one in your town.
A Lifetime Muffler Deal Isn't Really A Bargain
Some shops promote deals such as mufflers that will last a lifetime. That sounds like a bargain, right? But it's not. The problem is that while the shop will repair and replace the muffler for free, it's not including other parts.
The muffler is only one part of the exhaust system. If you need to have the pipes repaired, then you’re responsible for their cost and probably the labor as well. Don’t get sucked into deals that seem too good to be true because they probably are.
Never Bring Your Car In For Repairs On A Friday Afternoon
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you need repairs on your vehicle, schedule an appointment but don't make it on a Friday afternoon. That's because, just like you, the mechanics often want to finish quickly so they can get on with the weekend.
As a result, they may rush the job and won’t do it as thoroughly. The best time to take your car in for repairs is earlier in the workweek. The employees won’t feel as stressed to finish the job.
Mechanics Don't Catch Every Little Thing, Particularly If They're In A Rush
Nobody's perfect, not even mechanics. This is particularly true if an employee is working on your vehicle and has a time limit. He or she may miss something or forget to do something simple such as lubricate a hinge or other mechanism. While little things like this may not matter in the moment, they may affect performance over time.
The best thing to do is make sure that every little thing has been completed before you drive away from the shop. That way, you have peace of mind knowing your vehicle has been completely checked over.
Not Thinking About The Cabin Filter
Most mechanics will check your engine filter when you take your car in for repairs but that means your cabin filter has probably not been looked at or changed in a while. A clogged filter restricts airflow to the HVAC system, causing it to work harder and potentially overheat, leading to premature wear and tear. This can strain the car's engine and you'll end up having to have more work done.
Some people have even found rodents in their cabin air filters. You don't want to be breathing that in!
