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4 Bad Driving Habits that are Hurting Your Car

Chris Medine • Oct 07, 2019

You likely keep up regular maintenance on your car such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, whether you realize it or not, there are a few day-to-day things you can do to keep your car out of the repair shop as well. Excessive braking, running your fuel till almost empty, and avoiding new noises that don’t sound normal are just a few things that could have you spending more money on repairs that very well could have been cheaper, or avoided all together.


Excessive Braking Wears Brake Pads


Your brakes are a vital part of your vehicle, allowing you to stop gradually or immediately given the situation. Many motorists wait till the last minute before applying the brake, causing the brakes to work more than they should which, in turn, wears the brake pad thin much faster. When you realize you are inevitably going to have to slow/stop your vehicle, it is important to try and gradually apply pressure to the brake, which will put less stress on the pads and rotors, extending their life span. Keep money in your pocket, and try slowing down ahead of time!


Running on E can Damage the Fuel Pump


Just because your vehicle says you have 5 miles till empty, doesn’t mean you should let it go that far before your next fill-up. No, it’s not just because you risk running out gas and being stranded. It is also due to the fact that your fuel system is working harder to try and pump that last bit of fuel to keep the car moving. Avoid damaging your fuel pump/system by keeping your fuel level higher. Additionally, this will prevent your car from collecting gunk at the bottom of the tank, which has probably never been cleaned out. This is another easily avoidable situation but something people don’t realize actually harms their vehicle!


Emergency Brake Eases Transmission Stress 


Not many people know it, but just because your vehicle is in park, doesn’t mean it’s always safe, especially on uneven surfaces. There is an extra mechanism in all vehicles that allows for the parking brake, or emergency brake to be used. This extra feature is important to use on sloped surfaces so that your transmission is not bearing the whole load of your vehicle’s weight. The emergency brake is a second defense and also a useful tool that helps relieve some of that heavy weight off of one of the most essential parts of your vehicle. Make it a habit to use the parking brake on uneven areas, and your transmission, and wallet, will thank you.


Ignoring Car Noises as Warning Sign


Is that a new clicking noise? Or, perhaps you hear a strange hissing from under the hood. Whatever you do, don’t just blow these off. Make sure you’re checking fluid levels and having your vehicle properly maintained, as its longevity depends on it. The hissing noise could very well be the warning sign of something larger in the works!

When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe and roadworthy, no one cares more than Medines! While our focus may be on maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle through auto body repair, we hope that tips like these will help extend the life of your car and keep you safely on the road.


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