Let’s face it. Humans are creatures of habit. But did you know that certain bad driving habits could be causing damage to your vehicle without you even realizing it?
Unless they are quickly identified and resolved, these common habits could severely impact your car’s overall health, reduce its service life, and even result in costly repairs.
At Haldeman Ford, we’re always interested in keeping your car running at optimal performance. That’s why we’re letting you know about these four bad driving habits that may be damaging your car.
Overloading Your Ride
The first and most obvious bad driving habit is continuously loading a vehicle beyond its recommended weight limit.
Extra weight in your car’s trunk or cabin can put unnecessary stress on your car’s suspension and braking system. In addition, with heavily loaded vehicles, your engine may have to work overtime to keep you moving down the road.
Over time, this can lead to excessive engine wear, and this can lead to expensive repairs further down the line.
Sudden Acceleration & Braking
Especially common among impatient drivers or those who are constantly in a hurry, sudden acceleration or braking can cause excessive wear and tear to the vital parts of your car, including brake pads, exhaust components, transmission lines, and more.
In most urban traffic situations, there is no need to ride the throttle while driving your car, since you’ll only end up slamming on the brakes as soon as the next junction comes along.
Practice driving in a more gentle and consistent manner to avoid unnecessary expenses and a reduction in your vehicle’s service life.
Constantly Low Fuel Levels
While driving with less fuel in the tank may seem like a shortcut to better fuel economy, this habit may end up costing you more in the long run than it saves in the short term.
Over time, debris like dirt, grime, and dust can build up inside your car’s fuel tank. When the fuel level is low, these debris can actually enter your car’s fuel injection system and clog its filters.
This can lead to several engine problems including stalling, decreased performance, and difficulty starting. To avoid these problems, try to get into the habit of filling up your tank before your fuel light comes on.
Not Adhering To A Recommended Service Schedule
Modern cars are complex pieces of automotive machinery. As such, they require a great deal of professional maintenance and care to remain fully operational well into their life.
Most of your vehicle’s components should be routinely checked and serviced so that your ride will continue to operate at peak performance.
To get an idea of your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended service schedule, check your owner’s manual or access resources relating to your car’s make and model online.
If you’re ready to schedule your next automotive service appointment with the professional service center your vehicle deserves, don’t hesitate to do so online, contact us by phone, or stop into Haldeman Ford East Windsor in person today.
Our technicians are always ready and willing to help!