Are you accidentally ruining your perfectly good car? Here are twenty ways you could be sabotaging your ride without realizing it.
1. Not Changing the Oil
Too many people think that getting an oil change doesn’t matter. However, neglecting your car’s need for an oil change can severely impact the engine’s efficiency.
2. Driving on Low Fuel
Don’t drive on low fuel too often; otherwise, your pump could overheat or wear out prematurely.
3. Riding the Brakes
Riding the brakes can wear them out quickly — the last thing you want to discover happened when driving.
4. Not Washing Your Car
Regular washes keep your car from rusting or corroding. It’ll also keep the coat of paint fresh.
5. Ignoring Problems
People ignore car problems, fearing that they’ll cost too much to fix. But waiting to fix these problems is often much worse and more expensive.
6. Skipping Maintenance Inspections
It’s a similar philosophy to oil changes: maintenance feels optional to many drivers, but it’s essential for keeping your car healthy.
7. Using Your Car as a Garbage Bin
Your car’s interior should stay clean. Pick up any garbage to prevent spills or debris from causing lasting odors.
8. Driving With Underinflated Tires
Driving with flat tires or low tire pressure could cause everything from poor fuel economy to blowouts that will force you to the side of the road or put you and others in danger.
9. Forgetting To Change the Air Filter
The air filter in your engine is responsible for its performance and fuel efficiency; remember to check on and change it as needed.
10. Overloading Your Car’s Weight Capacity
Putting too much weight in or on your car will strain basically every part of it. Avoid doing so as much as you can.
11. Skipping Tire Rotations
Tire rotations are another maintenance task people wave away. Still, they’re essential if you want to prolong the life of your tires.
12. Ignoring the ‘Check Engine’ Light
We’ve all been in a car with someone who says there’s nothing wrong even though this light is on. But the car is designed to switch this on when something IS wrong, so take it seriously if you see it.
13. Using Cheaper Parts
Inexpensive parts are one thing; cheap parts are another. Low-quality parts will inevitably fail, causing you to spend more the next time there’s an issue.
14. Not Flushing the Brake Fluid
Regularly flush your brake fluid to ensure optimal performance and responsiveness of your brakes.
15. Frequently Driving Short Distances
This one seems normal, but only driving short distances can increase wear and diminish fuel efficiency.
16. Never Checking the Battery
Your car’s battery should be a reliable power source. Maintain a regular checking and cleaning schedule to prevent starting problems.
17. Neglecting the Coolant
Check your coolant levels often and inspect hoses for leaks to prevent your car from overheating.
18. Ignoring Wheel Alignment Issues
Wheel alignment issues can cause tires to wear more easily and make it harder to control your car while driving.
19. Not Checking the Timing Belt
If your timing belt breaks, your engine could suffer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the belt.
20. Driving Too Aggressively
Aggressive driving is hard on your car. The extra stress can lead to faster wear and tear on everything from the brakes to the transmission.
