While some of these driving habits might seem minor, they can have a significant impact on your car's performance and lifespan over time. Avoid the common driving habits that damage your car mentioned in this post by Syntex Lubricants in Austin & Kyle, TX.

Every driver wants their car to last as long as possible, running smoothly without unnecessary repairs. However, many everyday driving habits can inadvertently harm your vehicle, leading to costly repairs and reduced longevity. Awareness of these habits and avoiding them can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are some common driving habits that damage your car and how to correct them.

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Common Driving Habits That Damage Your Car

1. Riding the Brakes

Keeping your foot on the brake pedal unnecessarily, such as when going downhill, creates excessive wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors. Over time, this can lead to overheating and warping of the brake components, reducing their effectiveness. Instead, use engine braking by downshifting or letting off the accelerator to control your speed, applying the brakes intermittently rather than continuously.

2. Accelerating Aggressively

Hard accelerations and sudden starts put unnecessary stress on your engine, transmission, and tires. They burn more fuel and can cause faster wear on crucial components like the drivetrain. To extend the life of your car, accelerate smoothly and gradually. This also improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

3. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine light, are there for a reason. Ignoring them can lead to bigger, costlier problems down the road. For example, a minor issue like a loose gas cap can eventually damage the fuel system. Always address warning lights promptly by consulting your owner’s manual or visiting a mechanic.

4. Overloading Your Vehicle

Carrying more weight than your vehicle is designed to handle stresses the engine, suspension, brakes, and tires. Overloading reduces fuel efficiency and can lead to premature wear on these components. Always check your car’s maximum load capacity and avoid carrying unnecessary items.

5. Driving With Low Fuel Levels

Consistently driving with a nearly empty fuel tank can damage your fuel pump and injectors. The fuel pump relies on gasoline to cool and lubricate itself, and running on empty can cause it to overheat. Additionally, sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel filter or injectors. Aim to keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full to prevent these issues.

6. Shifting Gears Improperly

For manual transmissions, resting your hand on the gear shifter or riding the clutch can wear out the transmission components prematurely. For automatics, shifting into reverse or park while the car is still moving can damage the transmission. Always come to a complete stop before changing gears, and avoid unnecessary pressure on the clutch or shifter.

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7. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Skipping oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance tasks can lead to significant problems over time. Dirty oil reduces engine efficiency and increases wear, while uneven tire wear can compromise handling and safety. Following your car’s maintenance schedule helps prevent avoidable damage and keeps your vehicle running.

8. Driving Through Potholes and Rough Roads

Potholes, speed bumps, and rough terrain can damage your car’s suspension, alignment, and tires. While some bumps are unavoidable, try to slow down and drive carefully when approaching them. Regularly inspect your tires and alignment if you frequently drive on rough roads.

9. Revving the Engine When Cold

Revving the engine immediately after starting the car, especially on a cold day, can damage internal components. When the engine is cold, the oil hasn’t fully circulated, and high revs can cause unnecessary wear. Instead, let the engine idle for a minute or two before driving.

10. Riding on Underinflated Tires

Driving on underinflated tires not only decreases fuel efficiency but also causes uneven tire wear and increases the risk of a blowout. Underinflated tires generate more heat, which can damage the rubber and reduce the tires’ lifespan. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

11. Frequent Short Trips

Short trips don’t allow the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature, which can lead to condensation in the exhaust and oil systems. Over time, this moisture can cause corrosion and reduce engine efficiency. If possible, combine errands into longer trips.

12. Using the Wrong Fuel

Using a lower-octane fuel than what’s recommended can cause engine knocking and reduce performance. Similarly, using diesel in a gasoline engine (or vice versa) can cause severe damage. Always follow the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations to avoid costly repairs.

A common driving habit that damages your car is riding with an unkempt vehicle! Call Syntex Lubricants in Austin & Kyle, TX at (800) 890-0220 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to maintain your vehicle perfectly.