There is one thing to drive a car and there is another thing to drive it properly to retain its longevity. Many people may know how to drive a car, but they may not be aware of the driving habits through which a vehicle can retain its components for a longer period of time, as a result keep performing better.
Some may argue that regularly giving your car for maintenance checkup is the only way to keep it in pristine condition. Others may say that the way a car is driven has a significant impact on the longevity of the car and its components.
Certain bad driving habits if left unchecked may lead to costly repairs and replacements that could otherwise be avoided. Even experienced drivers may succumb to such driving habits that may prove harmful for their vehicles well-being.
Here are some of the most common bad driving habits that can cause damage to the car:
Using your Shifter as your Hand Rest
Driving a manual transmission car can be very liberating and thrilling as all your senses are at work. At times drivers quite naturally place on hand on the steering wheel and the other on the gear shifter, especially if your speed needs to vary on the road frequently. Nevertheless, this practice can be harmful to not only to the gearbox but also to you.
Resting your hand on the shifter can cause an unwanted pressure on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizers, causing internal wear. It’s important that you keep both your hands on the wheel while only using your other hand when you really need to shift gear.
Loading the Car with Unwanted Stuff
The more the car has weight on it, the more stress it will put on the tyres thus causing the engine to use more fuel to accelerate further or more in to direction that you want the vehicle to go. Eventually it causes the depreciation of the drivetrain, suspension and brake.
It can also put an impact on the fuel economy of the vehicle. So it’s advisable to keep the vehicle as light as possible and only load it when necessary while only keeping the essentials.
Ignoring to use Parking Brake
Drivers often use the service brakes while they are on the road as they are used to slow down the vehicle smoothly and bring it to a stop. Using the service brakes is an essential part of driving, but then again these brakes are used and abused too often.
Many a times, drivers keep their foot on the brakes in an inclines road or even while waiting for the traffic light to change. Excessive use of the service brakes allows the brake pads to have a premature wear and tear, which can lead to potential threat to your well-being while driving.
In order to avoid the excessive use of service brakes and retaining the quality of the cars brake pads, it’s important that you consciously use the parking brake when necessary. Use these brakes especially when you are parking on an inclined surface or while waiting for the traffic light to change.
Keeping the Gas Tank Low
Although there may be times when you just can’t afford to fill the tank entirely or plan to wait for a better fuel deal, adding a few gallons of gas at a time and regularly running with low levels of fuel can actually hurt your car. That’s because it forces your car to take gas from the bottom of the tank, where there is sediment build-up. This can lead to a clogged fuel filter or debris passing into the engine.
Abrupt Start and Stopping the Engine
Using the accelerator too hard while starting the vehicle can be fun but it uses a significant amount of fuel than accelerating gradually. Similarly, sudden stops are sometimes necessary, but cause faster wear to the brake pads and rotors. Looking ahead, planning ahead, and pressing on the pedals smoothly is the best strategy.
Also read: Tips to Use to Avoid Engine Overheating
Abusing the Clutch
Another common bad habit of drivers while waiting at the traffic light is keeping one foot on the clutch pedal at all times. This allows drivers to drop the clutch as soon as the light turns green. Nevertheless, the whole time your foot is on the clutch it causes the pressure plate, release bearing, and release arm to damage.
Riding the clutch causes its surfaces graze against each other, wearing them down and opening the possibility for sudden failure. It’s better to be stopped with the clutch out and shifter in neutral, only pressing the clutch and engaging gear when the light turns green.
Switching the Gear from Reverse to Forward while Rolling
This bad habit is observed among certain experienced drivers whereby they tend to shift their gear from reserve to forward while the wheels of the vehicle are in motion. This may seem like you are saving time but its potentially damaging to the car’s engine.
Doing so places strain on the drivetrain when it’s suddenly forced to move in the opposite direction. Simply take that extra moment to make sure you’re completely stopped before switching from reverse to drive.
Also read: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid during DIY Car Repairs
Riding the Brakes Downhill
Certain drivers use the brake while driving down a steep hill in order to slow down when needed. This causes strain and heat to build up in the brake system, wearing out components like brake pads and rotors. Instead, you should shift into a lower gear when you’re driving downhill. This will cause engine braking, which helps slow the car down through natural drivetrain decompression. You’ll find that engine braking can be as effective as regular braking in maintaining your downhill speed.
Ignoring Car Warning Signs
Last but not the least, to keep your car healthy for a longer period of time and avoid any major costly replace is to pay immediate attention to any time of warning signs coming from the car. Whether it’s any small unusual sound, vibration or squeaks, it’s important that you address them as soon as possible and not ignore them for a later time. So before these squeaks turn into something harmful to you and your loved ones, its better you inspect them right away.
Better Late than Never!
Like any habits, bad driving habits can be very hard to let go, especially for experiences drivers as they become second nature to them. Nevertheless, for the sake of the car’s condition and your own well-being it’s important that you make a conscious effort to correct yourself every time you engage in any of these bad driving habits. Eventually this will help you save a lot of money on repair thus making you stress-free.
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