5 Common Driving Habits That Might Be Damaging Your Car
Introduction
Once you’ve successfully gotten your driver’s license and started driving on your own, you tend to settle into a handful of habits. Maybe they were taught to you by your instructor or parents, or maybe they just seemed the most sensible when you started doing them. Like riding a bike, driving a car is a process heavily reliant on habits and instincts, so this isn’t unusual. Unfortunately, it’s the very fact that these habits aren’t unusual that makes some of them somewhat concerning.
For one reason or another, a large number of drivers in the world tend to pick up some bad habits over the course of their driving lives, whether due to some half-baked myths received from a third party or because the proper ways of doing things seemed too stringent. These habits may seem innocuous at the moment, but as you engage in them, you’re steadily dealing damage to your car without even realizing it.
Riding your brakes
If you’re a very cautious driver, you may keep your left foot on the brake pedal instead of on the footrest so that you can slam on it at a moment’s notice. The primary purpose of your brakes is, of course, to slow and stop your car, but that doesn’t mean they should be engaged all the time, especially not while the engine is being revved.
Riding the brake pedal, even slightly, puts unnecessary wear and tear on the brake pads and rotors or drums. The brake and gas pedals are not supposed to be engaged at the same time – pressing the brakes down while the rotors are spinning full-on causes the brakes to overheat, which in turn reduces their stopping power. If you keep doing this, eventually, you’ll actually increase the likelihood that your brakes will suddenly fail on you while you’re on the road. This can lead to more frequent stops at the mechanic shop or potentially a car accident.
Overloading
Another common driving habit that can damage your car is overloading. It’s tempting to pack your car with as much stuff as possible, especially when going on a road trip or moving. However, overloading your car puts excessive strain on the suspension, tires, and brakes.
When your car is overloaded, it becomes harder to control and maneuver, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the extra weight puts more pressure on the tires, causing them to wear out faster. The suspension system also suffers from the added weight, leading to decreased stability and potential damage.
To avoid damaging your car, make sure to follow the recommended weight limits set by the manufacturer. If you need to transport heavy items, consider using a trailer or renting a larger vehicle instead.
Hitting speed bumps full-on
Speed bumps are designed to slow down drivers and protect pedestrians in residential areas. However, some drivers choose to ignore this and hit speed bumps at full speed. This habit can be detrimental to your car’s suspension system. The constant strain from hitting speed bumps at high speeds can cause your shocks to warp or leak, leading to damage to your steering and exhaust systems. The same problems can occur if you hit potholes at full speed, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
Leaving the fuel tank near empty
Leaving your fuel tank near empty may seem convenient, but it can actually harm your car. When the fuel level is low, the fuel pump has to work harder to draw fuel from the tank, which can lead to overheating and premature wear. Additionally, running on a near-empty tank can cause sediment and debris to accumulate in the fuel system, potentially clogging the fuel filter and injectors. It’s best to keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full to avoid these issues.
Gas Prices: Why You Shouldn’t Drive on Empty
We all know that gas prices can be a real pain in the wallet. It seems like they’re always on the rise, and it can be tempting to push your luck and drive your car until the fuel tank is completely empty. But before you do that, there are a few things you should know.
Your car’s fuel intake system relies on a certain fuel level to maintain pressure. When there’s little to no fuel left in the tank, the intake has a harder time drawing in fuel, which can strain and overheat the pumping system. Plus, if you’re drawing fuel from the bottom of the tank, you run the risk of clogging the system with metal runoff bits that settle at the bottom. To avoid these potential damages to your vehicle, it’s best to always keep at least a quarter tank of fuel.
Ignoring the Parking Brake: A Costly Mistake
Many drivers believe that the parking or emergency brake is only necessary when parking on a hill or when the regular brakes aren’t working. But the truth is, you should always engage the parking brake, even on a flat surface.
When you put your car in park, a small pin called a parking pawl locks the transmission’s gears in place. Without the parking brake engaged, the entire weight of the car is placed on this pin, which can cause damage over time. Engaging the parking brake takes the pressure off the pin and locks the wheels, preventing the car from rolling away. Additionally, if the parking brake isn’t used regularly, it can start to corrode and lock up, making it more likely to fail when you need it.
Conclusion
By being aware of these common driving habits that can damage your car, you can take steps to avoid them and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. Remember to always drive responsibly and follow the recommended guidelines for maintaining your car. Taking care of your car will not only save you money on repairs but also ensure your safety on the road.
Photo: Freepik.com
