Car care is not only about fueling the car and taking it to the MOT. Many times, without realizing it, we adopt bad habits that shorten the useful life of the vehicle and generate costly repairs. Paying attention to certain details can make the difference between a long-lasting car and one full of breakdowns.
1. Failure to check oil and fluid levels.
Oil, coolant or brake fluid are essential for the proper functioning of the car. Ignoring them can lead to overheating, engine failure or even accidents.
2. Driving on low fuel.
Usually circulating with the tank in reserve causes the fuel pump to work forced and sucks impurities accumulated at the bottom, which ends up damaging it.
3. Accelerate with a cold engine.
Starting and running without allowing the engine to warm up accelerates the wear of internal parts, as the oil has not yet properly lubricated all components.
4. Habitual hard braking.
Constant braking not only wears pads and discs faster, but also affects the suspension and tires.
5. Going over speed bumps too fast.
Bumps, potholes or bad roads can damage the suspension, shock absorbers and even the steering if the vehicle is not driven carefully.
6. Forgetting to change filters.
A dirty air filter makes the engine breathe worse, while a clogged fuel filter can affect performance and lead to costly breakdowns.
7. Driving with excess weight.
Always carrying a loaded trunk or carrying more weight than recommended overloads the engine, brakes and tires, increasing fuel consumption and reducing the useful life of the car.
8. Neglecting tire pressure.
Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires affects stability, increases fuel consumption and causes irregular tire wear.
9. Rest your hand on the gear shift lever.
A gesture as common as driving with your hand on the lever can damage the bearings and internal mechanisms of the gearbox.
10. Ignore car noises and warning lights.
Many mechanical problems start with a small strange noise or a warning light on the dashboard. Ignoring them often results in more serious and costly breakdowns.
11. Do not use the hand brake when parking on a slope.
Leaving full pressure on the gearbox instead of using the parking brake can damage it over time.
12. Keeping your foot on the clutch while driving.
Resting your foot on the pedal even when not shifting gears prematurely wears the clutch disc and hub.
13. Not washing the car regularly.
Dirt, road salt or bird droppings can corrode the paint and cause rust on the bodywork.
14. Ignoring battery maintenance.
Using the car only for very short journeys or leaving it idle for a long time without checking it reduces its service life and can leave you stranded.
15. Driving with the car out of alignment.
If the steering wheel shakes or the car pulls to one side, ignoring it causes uneven tire wear and can affect the suspension and steering.
Conclusion.
A car is one of the most important investments we usually make, and keeping it in good condition depends on both regular check-ups and our daily habits. Avoiding these common mistakes will not only extend the life of your vehicle, but will also save you money and make you safer on the road.
