Your car is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an investment. To maximize your car’s life and maintain its performance, it’s crucial to be aware of practices that might be inadvertently shortening your car’s life. In this article, we’ll explore 13 common ways you might be doing just that and offer tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.

Banging Through Potholes

The suspension on your automobile does a terrific job of absorbing road imperfections, but it has a limit. Even though it’s sometimes hard to avoid potholes, speeding through them can bend brake struts and wheel rims. Mr Matt Smith, senior editor at Car Gurus 

Using Cheap Gas

Using fuels that are not top-tier rated can lead to costly engine damage in the future. When using ordinary grade when the engine needs premium, drivability issues and warning lights may result. Richard Reina, director of product training at CARiD, Do you use premium even when your automobile doesn’t need it? You have spread one of the 12 myths about cars that you need to stop believing.

Not driving it enough 

Too much inactivity will damage your car’s battery, deform the tyres, and fill the tank with stale fuel. Make sure to locate a suitable (and ideally indoor) site if you plan to park an automobile for an extended period. Give it a thorough wash to maintain the paint, overfill the tyres to keep them around, cover it with mothballs soaked in peppermint oil to keep rodents away, and connect the batteries to a trickle charger to keep it alive. —Matthew Smith Make sure you never subject your car to these 10 things.

Driving on Improper Alignment

This frequently disregarded problem “can wear down your tyres, raise your risk of an accident, and decrease the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.” David Ambrogio, an advisor at Superior Honda in New Orleans, Louisiana The warning indications that your car is about to die are listed below.

Not washing it

It’s simple to question why maintaining the exterior of your car should be done. After all, it will only become dirty once more. So regular car cleaning will preserve the paint and lessen the chance of rust. Winter is a crucial time to give your car’s underneath a good spray because salt may quickly eat away at the bare metal of your chassis. —Matthew Smith

Not cleaning under the hood

We frequently neglect cleaning the inside of our cars in favour of keeping the appearance spotless. This is incorrect. The built-up sludge and debris that is reducing the life of your engine can be removed by performing periodic external cleaning on your car engine. — David Ambrogio Contrary to the worst car advice mechanics have ever heard, keeping your engine clean is crucial.

Holding the shifter

Don’t rest your hand on the gear shifter! This one’s for the few manual transmission drivers left out there! The parts of the gearbox will prematurely wear down if you keep your hand on the stick shift, even though it may feel natural to do so. —Matthew Smith. Learn about 13 odd automotive features you might not be aware of.

Using incorrect or discounted parts and fluids:

You may be performing routine maintenance, but cutting corners by utilising shoddy or inappropriate fluids and parts is bad. Regular oil changes necessitate using the proper viscosity oil, not just whatever is cheapest in the big-box retailer. The proper thermal range should be present in spark plugs. Not simply the cheapest item you can locate, but name-brand, OEM, or superior fuel and air filters should be used. — Richard Reina. To maintain your car, you should also refrain from conducting these routine tasks.

Not changing the oil often enough

Changing your oil more frequently than is advised keeps corrosive materials out of the engine and extends the life of your vehicle. This is particularly true if you drive mostly in cities. — David Ambrogio. Look at these amazing vehicle stories and the wackiest cars ever constructed.

 Driving your car cold

It takes time for a cold engine to warm up. Stop accelerating at full speed until the temperature gauge indicates “normal.” — Richard Reina. If you pay attention to the secondhand automobiles you ought to—and ought not—purchase, you’ll have a lot less maintenance anxiety.

Slamming the brakes too often

Heavy braking causes abnormal wear to the brake pads and rotors, necessitating more frequent replacements. — Richard Reina. Laugh at the most bizarre things auto mechanics have discovered in vehicles.

Running on empty

“Driving another ten miles after the fuel light comes on moves dirt and debris that have accumulated at the bottom of the tank through the engine.” —Valerie Coleman, 5miles’ sales director.

Psst! Finding out which car was the most popular in the year of your birth can be of interest to you.

Putting the pedal to the metal

“Repeated hard braking and acceleration is tough on suspensions and tyres.” — Richard Reina.

FAQs

1. What are some common mistakes that can shorten my car’s lifespan?

There are several common mistakes, including neglecting regular maintenance, ignoring warning signs, and poor driving habits that can all contribute to prematurely shortening your car’s life.

2. How important is regular maintenance for my car’s longevity?

Regular maintenance is crucial for your car’s longevity. It includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections that help prevent wear and tear, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly for a longer time.

3. Can bad driving habits impact my car’s lifespan?

Yes, bad driving habits such as aggressive driving, hard braking, and rapid acceleration can lead to excessive wear and tear on your car’s engine, transmission, and other components, ultimately shortening its life.

4. What’s the role of oil changes in preserving my car’s engine?

Regular oil changes are essential to keep your engine lubricated and clean. Skipping oil changes or using the wrong type of oil can lead to engine damage and significantly reduce its lifespan.

5. How often should I replace my car’s air filter, and why is it important?

Air filters should be replaced according to your car’s manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. A clean air filter ensures optimal engine performance and efficiency, contributing to your car’s longevity.

6. Are there any specific tips for maintaining my car’s tires?

Yes, maintaining proper tire pressure, rotating your tires regularly, and getting wheel alignments when necessary can extend the lifespan of your tires and reduce strain on other parts of your vehicle.

7. Can extreme temperatures affect my car’s life, and how can I mitigate these effects?

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can indeed impact your car’s lifespan. It’s important to keep your car well-insulated, use the right engine oil for the climate, and park in a shaded area when possible.

8. How does driving on rough or poorly maintained roads affect my car’s longevity?

Driving on rough roads can lead to increased wear and tear on your suspension, tires, and other components. Avoiding rough roads when possible and driving cautiously on them can help preserve your car.

9. Is it true that idling my car for extended periods can harm its engine?

Yes, excessive idling can harm your car’s engine. It causes unnecessary wear and tear and wastes fuel. Turn off the engine when parked for extended periods to preserve its life.

10. What’s the significance of using high-quality fuel and maintaining a clean fuel system?

– Using high-quality fuel and keeping your fuel system clean can prevent engine deposits and improve combustion efficiency, contributing to longer engine life.

11. Can DIY repairs negatively impact my car’s longevity?

– DIY repairs can be problematic if not done correctly. It’s essential to have the right tools, knowledge, and skills to avoid inadvertently causing more damage. When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.

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12. How does regular cleaning and detailing affect my car’s lifespan?

– Regular cleaning and detailing can protect your car’s paint and interior from corrosion and deterioration, helping it look and perform better for a longer time.

13. Are there specific signs that indicate my car’s life is being shortened, and what should I do if I notice them?

– Signs of a car’s shortened life include unusual noises, warning lights, decreased fuel efficiency, and poor performance. If you notice these signs, it’s essential to consult a mechanic promptly to address the issues and prevent further damage.

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