Cars are a big investment, and we want them to last as long as possible. But did you know there are simple things we do every day that could be damaging our car? Proper vehicle maintenance requires that we pay special attention to what we could potentially be doing wrong. If we correct these small habits, we can avoid expensive visits to the repair shop and possible accidents. It is also key that we take our car to the annual check-up at the authorized service center. This will increase the lifespan of our vehicle and guarantee our safety. Here are 30 common things that we unintentionally do that actually damage our cars. How many of these have you done?
Jumping Starter Solenoid with a Screwdriver
Jumping a starter solenoid with a screwdriver, a handy trick for starting a car with ignition troubles, carries significant risks. This method, which involves bridging the solenoid’s terminals with a screwdriver, can cause electrical shorts or surges, potentially damaging the vehicle’s sensitive electronics, including the ECU (Engine Control Unit). Moreover, this approach might overheat the battery or shorten its lifespan due to excessive current flow.
Besides the risk to the vehicle, there’s also a personal safety concern, as the process can produce sparks and pose a risk of electrical shock. It’s a temporary solution that should be used with caution and understanding of the potential consequences.
Using Water Instead of Coolant
Sometimes, people mix in tap or bottled water when they’re running out of coolant in the radiator. While it can save you time and money at that moment, make sure you do it right.
Do not put water alone in the radiator because high temperatures inside the motor would easily boil that water, causing the engine to overheat and melt.
Not Letting The Engine Cool Off
In the case of turbocharged cars, it’s crucial that after a long drive, you start driving at a low RPM for a couple of minutes before shutting off the engine. This will help the turbocharged engine to properly cool off.
Allowing it some time to lower the engine’s temperature will increase the lifespan of your car in the long run.
Hard Steering
Hard steering, characterized by making sharp turns at high speeds, can significantly damage your vehicle over time. This aggressive maneuvering places undue stress on your car’s tires, causing uneven wear and potentially leading to premature tire failure. Furthermore, it exerts excessive force on the suspension system, including shocks, struts, and springs, accelerating their wear and degrading the car’s handling and ride quality.
The steering system, including the power steering pump, rack, and pinion, also suffers, leading to decreased steering responsiveness and an increased need for costly repairs. Additionally, hard steering can heighten the risk of rollover accidents in SUVs and taller vehicles, posing a safety risk to passengers.
Hitting Potholes
It is common sense to avoid hitting potholes on the road. Large vehicles such as SUVs can be damaged by potholes as well. If you are driving at a high speed and you accidentally hit a pothole, it can result in a popped tire or irreversible damage to the vehicle’s suspension system.
If you know there is a certain road with a lot of potholes, do your best to avoid it, do not risk it.
Not Driving It Enough
Automobiles aren’t meant to stay parked for long periods of time. If you don’t drive your car often enough, it can lead to some inconveniences such as deformed tires, poor paint job, and a dead battery, among others.
For people who collect vintage cars but don’t use them on a regular basis, it’s recommended that they take them for a spin every now and then. Don’t let them sit for months on months without using.
Only Driving It On Short Trips
Driving your car for just a couple of minutes often is as bad as letting it sit for months in your garage.
If you only turn the car on to drive a few minutes and then shut the engine off again, the components don’t get a chance to warm up and that could lead to expensive visits to the mechanic.
Forgetting About Wax
Many automobile owners overlook the importance of waxing their vehicles. Waxing your automobile a few times a year could have a significant impact on the paint job.
A coating of wax functions as a shield, protecting your vehicle’s clear coat and paint. Rather than cleaning the paint itself, the wax absorbs the majority of the dirt and other undesired particles.
Rapidly Braking And Accelerating
Rapid braking has a number of drawbacks that go beyond simply being annoying for the passengers. Hard accelerations place a lot of strain on your car’s drivetrain, which can lead to transmission difficulties.
Rapid braking will wear down your car’s brake pads. In the worst-case situation, the driver behind you may fail to break in time, effectively rear-ending your vehicle.
Not Using The Handbrake While Parking
When on an inclination, leaving your manual vehicle engaged in gear or your automatic one in Park can cause harm to the car’s transmission. If your car is parked on a hill and you don’t use the handbrake, it will put a lot of stress on the transmission.
There’s no need to put the handbrake on a leveled surface. The brake rotors can get damaged if you apply the handbrake while the brakes are hot.
Not Paying Attention to Recalls
Automobile manufacturers will recall a vehicle model if they find any factory issues with it. They’re not exempt from mistakes. Reasons for recalling a model could be faulty airbags or concern about exhaust fumes, for instance.
Do not ignore a factory recall, no matter how well your car works, because you’ll be gambling with your safety. It will be almost impossible to sell it in the future since buyers really pay attention to factory recalls.
Ignoring Warning Lights\Signs
You should never ignore warning lights that appear on your car panel since they are designed to warn you about potential issues with your car. Even if you think it’s not that important or that it can wait, take a minute to reflect on the fact that your safety is compromised.
There are certain warning lights, such as the braking system error, that should be checked immediately. It’s an easy way to prevent various accidents.
Ignoring Leaks
If you find colorful stains on the floor under your car, you should take it to the repair shop and have a professional take a look. Fluids leaking from your car means that there are one or more components that are malfunctioning.
Leaking antifreeze can be caused by the radiator or water pump malfunction and may eventually lead to further damage to your engine. Transmission fluid leaks will appear closer to the center of the vehicle.
Using Hot Water to Defrost The Windshield
Many people go for the hack of pouring a glass of hot water to melt the ice off the windshield. While it can get you out of a pickle someday, it is not recommended you do that.
Due to the expansion and contraction of the materials of the windshield, the hot liquid could cause it to completely shatter. Although it’s more time-consuming, the safest option is to manually get it off with an ice scraper.
Revving The Engine Too Soon
A common but harmful habit when starting your car is immediately revving the engine, especially in cold weather. This practice can prematurely wear out the engine. When you start your car, the oil, which lubricates the engine parts, needs a few moments to circulate properly. Revving the engine immediately puts unnecessary strain on the engine components before the oil can fully coat them.
Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear, reducing the engine’s lifespan and potentially causing significant damage. It’s best to let the car idle for a short period, allowing the oil to warm up and circulate, before driving off. This simple change in habit can significantly extend the life of your car’s engine.
Leaving It Outside… A Lot
There is nothing wrong with leaving your car outside, but it’s best if you park in a garage where it can safely be stored while not being used. When you leave your car outside, it’s exposed to harsh weather conditions like hail or snow, which can damage and rust certain components of your vehicle.
Tree sap also damages the outer cleat coat of your car’s paint. Also, be aware that your car could be stolen.
Leaving Your Car Lights On
Leaving your car lights on when the engine is off can lead to significant issues, the most common being a drained battery. This oversight means your car might not start when you return, leaving you stranded and possibly requiring roadside assistance for a jump start. Furthermore, habitually draining your battery can shorten its lifespan, leading to costly replacements sooner than expected.
In addition to battery problems, leaving lights on for extended periods can also lead to wear and tear on the car’s alternator, as it has to work harder to recharge a deeply discharged battery. This can escalate into more serious electrical system problems, resulting in expensive repairs. Always ensuring your car lights are turned off before leaving your vehicle can save you from these potential headaches and expenses.
Unintentional Brake Wear
Repeatedly hitting the brakes hard is a driving habit that can cause more damage than many realize. While it’s sometimes necessary to brake suddenly to avoid accidents, consistently doing so during normal driving conditions can wear out brake pads and rotors prematurely.
This aggressive stopping generates excessive heat and friction, leading to warping of the brake rotors and diminishing the lifespan of the brake system. Not only does this result in costly repairs, but it can also decrease your car’s safety on the road. To avoid this, try to anticipate stops and apply the brakes gently, giving yourself plenty of distance from the car in front of you. Your car—and wallet—will thank you for it!
Steering Safely:
Practicing safe one-handed steering is often recommended for maintaining control while using other vehicle controls, such as turn signals and gear shifts. However, frequent one-handed steering can actually lead to damage over time. The habit of steering with one hand can result in uneven wear on the steering components and potentially impact the vehicle’s alignment. This method, although sometimes necessary, should be used sparingly to preserve the integrity of the steering system.
Furthermore, while operating secondary controls, it’s important to ensure the other hand remains firmly on the wheel. This minimizes the risk of losing control. It’s crucial to be mindful of how we interact with our car’s controls during driving. Adjusting our habits to ensure both hands are used appropriately not only enhances safety but also helps prevent gradual damage to the vehicle’s steering mechanism, promoting longevity and optimal vehicle performance.
Engine Start-Stop Button While Driving
The engine start-stop button in a vehicle is a modern convenience that can if misused, cause unintended damage. Some drivers mistakenly believe that pressing this button while driving is harmless but doing so can have immediate and detrimental effects on the vehicle’s operation. If the engine start-stop button is pressed while the vehicle is in motion, it can cause the engine to shut off, leading to a loss of power steering and braking assist, which can be dangerous at high speeds or in heavy traffic conditions.
The engine start-stop button in a vehicle is a modern convenience that can if misused, cause unintended damage. Some drivers mistakenly believe that pressing this button while driving is harmless but doing so can have immediate and detrimental effects on the vehicle’s operation. If the engine start-stop button is pressed while the vehicle is in motion, it can cause the engine to shut off, leading to a loss of power steering and braking assist, which can be dangerous at high speeds or in heavy traffic conditions.
Coasting in Neutral
Coasting in neutral is a driving habit some adopt under the misconception that it saves fuel. However, this practice can actually cause more harm than good. When a vehicle is in neutral, the driver has less control, as the engine is disengaged from the wheels. This disconnection means the car cannot accelerate quickly if needed, for instance, to avoid an obstacle. Moreover, coasting can reduce braking efficiency since the engine is not helping to slow the vehicle, increasing stopping distances and wear on the brakes.
Furthermore, modern fuel-injected engines are designed to cut off fuel supply when the accelerator is not engaged while in gear, making coasting in neutral less fuel-efficient. Additionally, this practice can put unnecessary strain on the transmission system when shifting back into drive from neutral while moving. It’s crucial to adhere to best driving practices, keeping the car in gear while moving to maintain full control, ensure safety, and avoid undue wear on the vehicle’s systems.
Ignoring Turn Signal Maintenance
A common but overlooked driving habit that can cause damage to your car is neglecting the maintenance of your turn signals. The turn signal lever, used to indicate directional changes, can suffer from wear and tear over time, especially if used forcefully or inappropriately. Consistently handling the lever with too much vigor can lead to a malfunctioning signal mechanism, which may stop working when you need it most.
This not only results in potential safety hazards but also could lead to costly repairs or replacements. To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to use your turn signal lever gently and to have it checked regularly as part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. Remember, gentle and timely care can prevent wear and ensure that your signal lever remains functional, keeping you and others safe on the road.
Neglecting Side Mirror Adjustment
Overlooking the proper adjustment of side mirrors may seem trivial, but it can lead to unnecessary damage to your car. When side mirrors aren’t aligned correctly, your blind spots increase, raising the risk of sideswiping other vehicles or objects, particularly in tight spaces. Additionally, driving with poorly adjusted mirrors forces you to compensate by turning your head more frequently, which can cause you to momentarily lose focus on the road ahead. This lapse can result in minor scrapes or even major collisions.
To prevent this, take a moment before driving to ensure your mirrors are positioned to give you the widest field of vision, allowing for safe lane changes and maneuvers. Regular mirror checks should be part of your driving routine to protect your car from avoidable damage.
Improper Clutch Use
A surprising number of manual transmission car drivers misuse the clutch, often without realizing it. One common mistake is resting the foot on the clutch pedal, a habit known as “riding the clutch.” This results in continuous pressure on the clutch components, causing the clutch to engage partially and leading to excessive wear. Over time, this can significantly shorten the lifespan of the clutch, resulting in a spongy pedal feel and eventually requiring an expensive replacement.
To avoid this, drivers should make a conscious effort to keep their foot off the clutch pedal unless actively changing gears or coming to a stop. By ensuring the clutch pedal is fully released during regular driving, you can maintain the integrity of the transmission and avoid unnecessary repair bills. Remember, the footrest is there for a reason — use it to give your clutch a break.
Risks of Crossing Arms
When driving, maintaining proper hand positioning on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions is crucial for optimal vehicle control and quick responsiveness. Conversely, crossing your arms while steering not only restricts your ability to maneuver rapidly but also increases the risk of injury during airbag deployment.
This improper habit can lead to loss of vehicle control, potentially resulting in accidents and significant car damage. Always keep your hands properly placed and your focus sharp to ensure safety for yourself and others on the road.
Proper Handbrake Use
Engaging the handbrake correctly is vital for vehicle safety. A common mistake some drivers make is pressing the button on the handbrake lever while pulling it up. This practice can lead to inadequate engagement of the brake mechanism, causing the vehicle to not be securely parked.
If the handbrake isn’t fully engaged, there’s a risk that the car could roll away, especially on slopes, leading to accidents or damage. To ensure your vehicle remains stationary when parked, pull the handbrake lever up without pressing the button, until it is fully engaged and secure. This simple step is crucial for safe parking practices.
Risks of Misusing Gears 1, 2, and 3 in Automatic Cars
While lower gears in automatic cars—1, 2, and 3—are designed for specific driving conditions, improper use can lead to potential damage. Using these settings inappropriately can strain the vehicle’s transmission. For example, driving in first gear (1) at high speeds forces the engine to work harder, increasing wear and risking overheating.
Similarly, prolonged driving in second or third gear (2 or 3) when not required can cause excessive fuel consumption and premature wear on the transmission components due to the higher engine RPMs needed. Always ensure to select the appropriate gear based on your driving conditions to prevent unnecessary strain and maintain your car’s longevity.
Overlooking A/C Recharge Needs
One specific mistake drivers often make is neglecting the need to recharge their car’s air conditioning system. The A/C system relies on refrigerant to cool the air, and over time, this refrigerant can deplete or leak, leading to a loss of cooling efficiency. Ignoring the need to recharge can cause the A/C system to overwork itself, putting extra strain on the compressor and other components. This not only leads to poor performance and higher cabin temperatures but can also result in a complete compressor failure, a costly issue to fix.
Drivers should have their A/C refrigerant levels checked regularly and recharge the system when needed. This simple maintenance task, often indicated by a gradual decrease in cooling effectiveness, can save money and extend the life of the air conditioning system. Remember, an efficient A/C isn’t just about comfort; it’s about car health too.
Skipping Wheel Alignment
Don’t skip the alignment of your vehicle’s wheels after you get your tires replaced. If you don’t do this, the misalignment can lead to various issues, like uneven tire wear or damaging the drivetrain of the car.
Worn-out suspension parts can also ruin the alignment of your wheels. Mechanics recommend getting the alignment checked regularly, and if you see signs of misalignment, take the car to the repair shop as soon as you can.
Not Shifting Gears Properly
Car enthusiasts prefer manual transmission because they like having more control over the vehicle, resulting in a better experience. But shifting gears with the stick in an abrupt manner can damage the transmission quite badly.
Repeatedly missing gears can even break the gearbox. If you are not experienced with the stick shift, practice a lot before driving out on the streets.
Shifting To Drive While The Car Is Still Moving Backward
Sometimes, you just want to quickly leave your parking spot and be on your way, but be aware that shifting the car to Drive while it is still rolling backward can seriously damage the drivetrain.
The car should be stopped when you shift from parking to driving, or else you might have to replace the entire transmission of the car.
Not Cleaning Up Spills Inside The Car
It is important not to leave the interior of our cars unattended, especially when we spill something, like a soda, on the seats or floor.
If we don’t clean up the spills right away, the liquid can make its way to the cables and ruin the electronic components of the vehicle. Carbonated drinks, for instance, can also cause severe rust.
Irregular Oil Changes
It is key to your car’s maintenance to change your oil on a regular basis. Fortunately, modern engines can go a lot longer without an oil change, but still, it’s recommended to do so anyway.
If you tend to forget about this chore, put an alarm on your cell phone’s virtual schedule. It can save you money in the future.
Ignoring The Maintenance Schedule
When you buy a car, sit down and give the driver’s manual a good read because it has a lot of useful information. You’ll find the maintenance schedule in detail, which comes in very handy for planning your visits to the service center.
Mechanics will be able to spot problems at an early stage and save you a lot of money.
Not Letting The Engine Warm Up
If the weather is cold, let your car warm up for 30 seconds before driving off. This ensures that lubricating oil gets to all of the engine’s vital parts.
If you let it idle on the driveway for longer than that, it doesn’t serve any purpose, and you are just wasting fuel. The engine will warm up faster being driven.
Forgetting To Change Shock Absorbers
Do not drive around with worn-out shock absorbers because it is very dangerous since it can make the handling of your car difficult. You can start jerking from side to side or end up losing control of it completely.
Whenever you get your tires checked, ask the mechanic to give the shock absorbers a look. It can prevent serious accidents.
Not Having It Serviced By An Experienced Mechanic
Everyone wants to save a buck or two now and then on car repairs. Owners often find themselves going to rather shady repair shops where they get the job done for a fraction of the cost.
But unqualified mechanics can sometimes do more harm than good. It is always recommended to take your car to an authorized service center.
Overloading It
In your car’s manual, you will find the maximum load capacity of your car, which is a very important piece of information. Ignoring the amount of weight that your car can bear can negatively impact its performance.
Constantly overloading your vehicle can cause it to add stress to the engine, tires, suspension, and transmission. It can shorten the car’s lifespan.
Ignoring A Cracked Windscreen
If you notice a minor chip on your vehicle’s windshield, it’s imperative that you have it repaired quickly. Otherwise, it could steadily grow and lead to a severe crack. Temperature fluctuations, for instance, might cause a windshield crack to widen.
Small chips in the windshield can be repaired, however once it’s cracked, you will need to replace the entire thing.
Ignoring Unusual Sounds
Strange noises coming from your car are frequently a clue that something is wrong with it. A screaming sound when you use the brakes is a good illustration of this.
This could be a sign of worn brake pads, which are simple to replace. If you go ahead and ignore it, worn brake pads might result in broken brake rotors.
Driving Over Speed Bumps Incorrectly
When driving over a speed bump, you must use a specific method. If you accelerate past a speed bump, you risk damaging your car’s suspension or scratching the bumpers. The secret to avoiding speed bumps is to approach them slowly.
Braking hard just before the bump may cause the front of your automobile to drop, perhaps damaging your front bumper.
Not Checking Tire Pressure Often
Underinflated tires can create a variety of issues, including poor fuel economy, irregular tire wear, and significant changes in your vehicle’s handling.
Tire pressure checks take only a few minutes and can be done at most gas stations. Don’t forget to fill the tires to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s door pillar sticker or in the owner’s handbook.
Not Checking Tire Wear
It’s just as vital to check the tire wear as it is to make sure the pressure is correct. You may inspect your tires visually at any time. Uneven tire wear can indicate a problem with the alignment or suspension system.
Check the tire wear before it’s too late, or you’ll end up paying a lot of money for repairs.
Fitting The Wrong Tires
The improper type of tire can have a significant impact on the handling and safety of your vehicle.
Before having tires installed on your car’s rims, double-check what size and what kind are advised for your vehicle’s make and model. Purchasing tires that are too large for your vehicle, for instance, might cause friction and permanent damage to your car.
Voiding The Warranty
A solid warranty may cover everything from routine maintenance to expensive repairs that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Your warranty will almost certainly be voided if you drive your automobile to a race track. Keep in mind that dealers can look through the engine’s history to see whether there have been any power adders or even electronic alterations like an ECU tune.
Overfilling The Car
Overfilling the gas tank is bad for a lot of reasons. A certain amount of vapor should be present in the fuel tank. Excess fuel can enter the car’s vapor collecting system if the tank is overfilled.
The vapor is then replaced by fuel, resulting in an inefficient engine. It also has the potential to harm the vapor collection system.
Not All Mechanics Are Top Notch
Finding a decent mechanic can be quite difficult, so you may need to shop around before deciding. You can also seek guidance from friends, family members, and locals.
If a mechanic thoroughly explains the required repairs and offers you several options, you know they are good. Don’t just settle for the first store you see or the nearest in town.
Some Services Aren’t Necessary
When you go for a simple oil change, some lube stores will pressure you to get an extra coolant flush or power steering flush. These are the services that make them the most money, but they’re not always necessary.
It’s best to consult your owner’s manual first. Cars today can travel 100,000 miles on a single type of fluid.
Change Your Own Oil
It isn’t difficult to change your own oil. It’s also worth considering because it’s one of the most common basic vehicle maintenance methods.
You may easily change your own oil and save money in the long run if you have some additional time and don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Find a good location to dispose of the old oil.
“That ‘Check Engine’ Light Is Probably Not Critical”
When the check engine light illuminates on the dashboard, it’s just alerting you to a minor problem, such as a problem with the exhaust system.
You’ll have to get it checked out eventually, but it’s usually not a big concern if you can’t do it right away. If the check engine light begins to flash, get it looked out immediately.
Forgetting To Check The Fluids
Most automotive experts recommend that you check the oil levels in your vehicle regularly. You can do it every time you fill the car up at the gas station. It’s important to do it since your car requires multiple types of fluids to run smoothly, like engine coolant and transmission fluid.
If you neglect these, it can cause costly damage to your vehicle. Take up checking the oils as a habit to prevent future problems.
Wrong Modifications
Getting your car modifications can be great. You will be able to find countless aftermarket tuners that offer numerous cosmetic enhancements and customizations for any kind of vehicle. However, some custom modifications can look too over-the-top and negatively affect the value of the car.
While some modifications might improve the style of your car, others can be detrimental. There are some customizations that might look very cool but actually wear the tires out, for example.
Neglecting Small Dents And Scratches
Neglected cars are very hard to sell and if you manage to find a buyer, you will need to make a major discount to make the sale. A small dent here and a small scratch there may not be anything serious, but if you do not take care of them immediately, with time it can get worse.
Try to fix scratches and dents the moment they appear, it will preserve the outlook of your car.
Coasting on Automatic
We are all aware of the common myth that an automatic car rolling downhill in Neutral saves fuel. But actually, this couldn’t be further from the truth! When the driver switches to Neutral while driving, the engine can no longer be used to slow down the automobile.
As they switch it back to Drive, it can cause desynchronization of the transmission components. Nowadays, modern cars use less fuel in driving when going down a hill.
Smoking In Your Car
Another important detail to pay attention to when you put your car for sale is unwanted smells. It’s very easy to identify a car where the owner was a cigarette smoker. The smell of cigarette smoke is nearly impossible to get rid of because it will penetrate leather surfaces inside the cabin of the car.
For non-smokers, the smell is quite unbearable, and you will lose potential buyers. Cigarette burns are also a turn-off.
Driving With Little or No Fuel
There is a popular belief that driving with a nearly empty fuel tank will allow the particles that build up on the bottom of the tank to clear out through the fuel injector. But this is simply not correct.
In fact, driving on an almost empty fuel tank can be harmful to the fuel pump, which relies on gas to be properly lubricated. As for the so-called particles, they’re actually trapped by the fuel filter.
Pumping The Wrong Type of Fuel
Premium fuel won’t improve the actual performance of your car, but it will not hurt it either. But make sure that your engine is tuned strictly for high-octane gasoline; do not ever pump regular fuel into it because it can cause major damage.
Pumping diesel in a gasoline-powered car will destroy the engine as well. If you’ve done this by accident, don’t attempt to turn the car on, as it could cause irreparable damage.
Using The Wrong Type Of Oil
Sticking to the right kind of fuel and oil can save you a lot of money in repairs. It is key in the proper maintenance of your vehicle. There are various kinds of engine oil that vary in quality and price, but only buy the one your car needs.
Putting the incorrect type of engine oil can destroy the filter and the motor of your vehicle. Check your car’s manual for more information on what oil it requires.
Not Washing It Enough
When was the last time you took your car to the car wash? A dirty car isn’t only quite unpleasant due to the smells and stains, but it can also be toxic. Regularly washing your car gets rid of harmful chemicals that may be causing corrosion on the undercarriage of your vehicle.
Due to snow in wintertime, the roads are covered in salt that can stick to the undercarriage’s belly and cause it to rust.
Save Money by Fixing Scratches Yourself
Body shops make a lot of money by repairing aesthetic damages, something the typical person does not have much knowledge about. If you have a scratch or scuff that needs to be repaired, all you have to do is get the right materials.
While the results may not be as professional as those produced by a body shop, they’re nonetheless acceptable.