Bad Driving Habits That Can Cause You to Need Car Repair
Bad Driving Habits That Can Cause You to Need Car Repair
The way you treat your vehicle has a big impact on its reliability. Everyone knows that a lack of routine maintenance often causes unexpected trouble. However, an abusive driving style can also lead to premature wear and tear. Let’s take a look at the bad driving habits that can cause you to need car repair. Here are some bad driving habits to kick in 2021.
Running On “E”
If you’ve developed a bad driving habit of running on empty, there’s a good chance you’ll soon be calling your mechanic for car repair. A vehicle’s fuel pump uses gasoline to stay cool. When there’s a low level of gasoline in the tank, the fuel pump is more likely to overheat.
Don’t wait until your low fuel light turns on. To prevent problems, never allow the fuel level to drop below a quarter tank. A dead fuel pump will ultimately leave you stranded. The only optional will be to have your vehicle towed.
Bad Driving Habit – Slamming Into Potholes
If your vehicle begins to pull to one side, there’s a good chance a pothole has already knocked it out of alignment. You’ll need to get a wheel alignment as soon as possible. While your vehicle is in the shop, the car repair technician will check for bent or broken suspension components.
Bad Driving Habits – Failing to Use Your Parking Brake
Contrary to common belief, you’re actually supposed to apply your parking brake every time you park. This helps keep your vehicle’s wheels locked in place, which reduces the amount of stress placed upon your transmission.
When parked on an incline, always shift into gear before releasing the parking brake. Many drivers have unintentionally ruined their vehicle’s transmission by failing to do so. To no surprise, the cost to fix the damaged parts can be quite expensive.
Allowing the Vehicle to Idle for Long Periods
During the winter, it’s not uncommon for outdoor temperatures to drop below freezing. When leaving home on a cold morning, many Raleigh drivers choose to warm up their vehicle for several minutes. However, excessive idling can put unnecessary wear on the engine. Carbon deposits can also build up, which eventually leads to reduced performance.
Even on frigid days, you don’t need to idle for longer than a couple of minutes. Aside from extending the life of your engine, you can also look forward to saving more fuel.
Bad Driving Habits – Revving a Cold Engine
Don’t rev your engine before it reaches normal operating temperature, which is typically around 100 °F. Drivers who own sports cars and powerful trucks tend to be the biggest offenders. You must give the motor oil time to circulate.
Abrupt temperature changes from cold revving can damage the internal engine parts. The rings, valves, crankshaft, cylinder walls, and bearings are all susceptible to being damaged. According to car repair experts, cracked head gaskets are especially common. To replace a bad head gasket, mechanics may need to break down half the engine.
Hauling Around Too Much Extra Weight
Think twice before over-packing your vehicle when taking a road trip. The added weight puts extra stress on your vehicle’s drivetrain. This is especially true when you’re already carrying a full load of passengers.
Towing can wreck even more havoc. Before attempting to haul cargo, always check the manufacturer’s tow rating. When the load is too heavy, the transmission is more prone to overheating. However, safety becomes an even bigger concern.
Bad Driving Habits – Riding the Brakes
Some drivers have a bad driving habit of riding the brakes. This means they often allow their foot to rest on the brake pedal, especially when going downhill or driving in stop-and-go traffic. It’s only a matter of time before the brakes overheat, thus leading to decreased stopping power. Of course, the brake pads and rotors will also wear down sooner than normal.
In the event you happen to be traveling in a mountainous area, switch your transmission to a lower gear. Your vehicle will then be able to descend at a safe speed without you needing to ride the brakes.
Neglecting Warning Signs
As you drive your vehicle, always be on the lookout for warning signs. A strange vibration or sudden knock could indicate you need a car repair. Ignoring potential problems will only cause you more stress in the long run.
You should also avoid overlooking your vehicle’s check engine light. While the issue could be something simple, the best approach is to not take any chances. With the use of modern diagnostic equipment, a mechanic can quickly track down the source of your trouble.
Shifting From Reverse to Drive Before Coming to a Complete Stop
While most automatic transmissions are durable, they can only handle a certain amount of abuse. Don’t make the error of shifting from reverse before coming to a complete stop. Serious damage can be done you your drivetrain.
Many automatic transmissions are engineered with a spinning coupling mechanism. Over time, harsh gear shifts can cause this part to fail. If slipping has already started to occur, your car repair shop may suggest rebuilding your transmission. We hope listing these bad driving habits have helped you!
