Your car is likely one of your most prized possessions — and as such, it’s only natural to want to keep it in tip-top condition. But when it comes to everyday habits, you may be surprised to learn that some seemingly innocuous actions can cause
severe damage to a car
over time.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the more common habits and how you can avoid them in the future.
Driving with a Light or Empty Tank
There are many schools of thought out there that suggest that topping up the minimum to keep your car’s tank continuously close to empty saves fuel on account of the reduced on-board weight. While this theory does have merit in practice, you may end up spending more in the long term due to
severe damage to your car.
As carefully refined as most fuel is today, it’s rarely 100% pure. Over time, particles and other foreign artifacts may end up settling at the bottom of your petrol or diesel tank. When a car’s tank is close to empty, the fuel pump inevitably draws these particles up. While the fuel filter should stop these substrates from doing damage to the engine, the fuel pump itself may end up either getting clogged or subject to undue stress.
To avoid possible premature pump failure, it’s recommended that you instead keep your tank at over a quarter full—if not more.
Overloading Your Car
Overloading a car can have a dramatic impact on several components. While it’s tempting to assume that if you have space, it’s safe to pack it to the brim, it’s essential to understand that each car has been designed to accept a maximum weight. Adding excess weight can cause
severe damage to a car’s
components.
Components that can suffer damage include, but are not limited to, suspension, wheels, tires, and excess stress on engine and transmission components. It’s important to note that adding great weight can also lead to changes in handling characteristics and an increase in stopping distances.
Always consult your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for maximum carrying capacities. It’s also important to note that many makers specify different tire pressures for different weights.
Revving a Cold Engine
If you own a car with an internal combustion engine, you might not be aware that the most wear and tear on your vehicle’s engine is when it’s cold. This is because your traditional motor has many moving parts which cause friction. It’s why we add oil to engines — to reduce friction caused by metal-on-metal contact. Your car’s engine oil is most effective when hot and your engine is at operating temperature.
To prevent premature wear and tear on an engine, it’s advised to wait until operating temperature is reached. If you cannot practically do so while stationary, it’s recommended your drive gently until the temperature gauge is in its normal operating zone.
Sudden Acceleration or Braking
Heavy and unnecessary acceleration without factoring in your surroundings is a sure-fire way to burn excess petrol. In contrast, sudden braking without anticipation can not only be jarring to passengers and those behind you, but it will also add undue strain to the braking components of your car.
Therefore, it’s advised that you accelerate in a smooth and gentle fashion, using just enough gas to get up to speed without causing inconvenience to those around you. Similarly, the application of brakes can be smooth and less wasteful, especially if you anticipate things such as red lights and stop signs, coasting to a stop with minimal brake application.
Missing Scheduled Check-ups
Sticking to the recommended maintenance schedule is perhaps one of the most effective ways to avoid unintended damage to your car. For example, missing a simple check-up can lead to
how to damage a car battery,
damage an engine and much more.
Oil changes, brake check-ups, and regular services are all critical to extending your car’s service life and each of its individual components. Frequent fluid changes will help the service life of the engine, brake and transmission systems.
Book an Appointment with J&E Tokyo Auto Collision
If you ever need further advice regarding car maintenance or bodywork repairs, we’re happy to give you a helping hand. We provide the best car and fleet repair services for customers in North York to ensure their peace of mind, regardless of driving habits.
Give us a call at 416-743-8888 to learn more about our services or book an appointment with our team today!