- And we all drive and all need to drive so these are the things NOT to do!
What are the worst vehicle habits you have? This list will help keep your vehicle running the best it can, for as long as it can!
Wrong fuel (as in the wrong octane level of fuel)
It may sound obvious but car shops and mechanics say it happens all the time. Putting diesel into a gas vehicle or the opposite, or even using the wrong octane level of fuel, can really funk stuff up. Running the correct octane and grade of gas through your vehicle creates the best environment, when otherwise it could have a decline in performance
Aggressive Stops and Starts
For people who like power and showing it off, it may be cool to peel out, pressing the gas to the floor or even slam on the brakes last second, but these habits are rough on your car and some of the worst you can do. Not only do they add to the wear and tear on your vehicle, they use more fuel, worsen the brakes more quickly and honestly, it’s not safe. Is this one of your worst vehicle habits?
Not Cleaning Your Vehicle
Getting car washes is for more than vanity, they’re needed to keep up the health of the vehicle. If you let dirt build up, the paint and metal surfaces will deteriorate more quickly. The worse the weather, the more you want to make sure you’re cleaning your vehicle.
Driving Hard Right Away
If you start your car, immediately throw it into drive and jump on the freeway within the first couple of minutes, you are putting a large and immediate strain on your vehicle. And then, if you do that all the time? Not great. You want to start most vehicles and let them run for a bit before driving, especially at high, sustained speeds. This gives the fluids time to circulate. Once you start to drive, go easy for the first 5-10 minutes if you can help it. (And especially in the harsh winter months in the north.)
Aggressively Shifting
As bad as stopping and starting to fast for you vehicle is, the same can be true then it comes to slamming into and out of gear. Like if you barely stopped the vehicle but immediately threw it into park or if you’re still moving but you force the car from drive to reverse. (If you’re care is always jerky when starting and stopping, it could go to show that it’s about to die. This could be one of the worst vehicle habits!
Low Tire Pressure
Keeping the correct tire pressure is easy enough and important. It will help your car run smoothly, ensure the tires wear more evenly and can even save you some money at the gas station, getting you some extra miles per tank of fuel.
Driving Light on the Gas Pedal
It may seem counterintuitive but driving too light on the gas pedal isn’t any better than driving really heavy. Engines are meant to be driven and lightly pushing the gas pedal to save on fuel or save the engine will result in extra buildup within the combustion chamber. We want to push it a bit harder on occasion if anything, to help clear these deposits.
Using Car Washes
Washing your vehicle can be so good for it but washing it in a car wash may not be. The thing is, the bristles can damage your vehicles paint and even take off a windshield wiper! Instead, handwash your vehicle or go for a touchless car wash if you have one in the area. Is this one of your worst vehicle habits?
Not Driving Your Vehicle
Your car should be driven weekly or at the least, monthly. If your car just sits, the battery could die, the tires could deflate, parts can rust and fluids can dry or buildup. Keep it out of dormant mode by driving it regularly.
Are these the worst vehicle habits of all and do they apply to you? Tell us all about it in the comments!