Are You Guilty of Hurting Your Car?
We love our cars—but they’ll never love us back if we keep racing over speed bumps or revving our engines. These and other seemingly harmless behaviors do significant damage to your car, and it’s time for a little TLC.
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1. Ignoring Strange Noises
We know it’s tempting to ignore wonky noises. What we don’t know can’t hurt us, right? Well, they may not be hurting you but they’re certainly hurting your vehicle. Don’t leave your car in the lurch when it’s whining for a mechanic’s touch.
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2. Driving on Fumes
Unless you hate your fuel pump, don’t drive on an empty tank. It’s not only bad for your anxiety but it doesn’t do your vehicle any favors either—particularly the fuel pump, which needs at least a quarter tank of gas to run correctly.
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3. Never Washing It
We love a sparkling car, but proper washing does so much more than keep vehicles clean. To protect paint jobs from rust and harmful outdoor elements, invest in a thorough wash every couple of weeks. Try and steer clear of power washing, though.
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4. Weighing it Down
Our poor cars suffer under so much added weight, so try not to overload your vehicle. Though it can vary, vehicle manuals should include something called “load-bearing capacity.” It’s exactly what it sounds like—a maximum cargo weight that protects everything from tires to brakes.
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5. Parking Outside
No, we’re not talking about heightened chances of theft (though that’s also a concern). Leaving cars to bake in the sun or shiver in the winter exposes them to all kinds of harmful elements. Parking in a garage protects you from all that.
6. Driving Over Potholes
We’ve all hit a pesky pothole or two, hearts sinking with worry about our poor tires. Though they’re not easily avoided, they’re definitely a well-known hazard to keep an eye out for. Potholes wreak havoc on our tires and suspension, so stay away when you spot them.
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7. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving not only leads to greater accident risks, but it’s also awful for your car. Between slamming on the brakes and weaving through traffic, you’ll damage everything from your engine to the rods.
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8. Using the Wrong Tires
The last thing you want is to drive on snowy roads without the right traction—just like you don’t want to drive on a summer’s day with winter tires. To protect tires’ special traction and yourself, always use proper wheels.
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9. Ignoring Proper Maintenance
Our cars deserve as much attention as we do, and that means regular maintenance. We know it’s costly, but it’ll be far costlier to skip scheduled checkups. Everything from oil changes to simple once-overs can save you a headache down the road.
10. Speeding Over Bumps
Speed bumps are meant to slow you down, not go flying over. If you try and drive over them at a normal speed, those bumps will do just as much damage as a pothole.
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11. Not Driving it Enough
Cars should be driven, so don’t tuck yours away all year. Vehicles that spend more time in the garage than on the road will likely experience battery issues, flat tires, and even potential leaks.
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12. Ignoring Leaks
Speaking of leaks, don’t turn a blind eye to trickling fluids. While it may be something benign, that leak could also spell serious trouble for you and your vehicle. Don’t tempt fate—bring it in to a mechanic.
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13. Revving Your Engine
It sounds cool in the movies, but it’s best left to Vin Diesel. Revving your engine, especially when it’s cold, causes significant damage. To avoid ruined transmissions and wrecked engines, refrain from doing so.
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14. Forgetting About Tire Pressure
We know about winter tires and dreaded nails on the road, but tire pressure is a large part of your car’s health, too. Low air pressure impedes handling, weighs down your vehicle, and can completely destroy your tire.
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15. Ignoring Recalls
Recalls are made for a reason—defective parts put you and your vehicle at risk and can also hinder resale value down the road. Keep up to date online with any manufacturer statements and don’t put off bringing in your car.
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16. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Whether you’re cleaning crumbs off the seats or scrubbing grime off the paint, your car needs the right products. Everyday household items like dish soap or window cleaners often strip paint, leaving you with much bigger issues.
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17. Not Letting it Warm Up
Wintertime comes with all sorts of hazards, least of all for your engine. Sidestep any breakdowns by letting your car run for at least a minute before driving anywhere. The good news is you don’t need to leave it idle for too long.
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18. Ignoring Windshield Cracks
That little windshield crack might not seem like a big deal now, but it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Small cracks frequently spiderweb into reduced visibility and even the potential for deployed airbags.
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19. Neglecting Oil Changes
Some people check their oil every few weeks, others like to go every few months. Either way—you need to do it! Putting off this crucial kind of maintenance damages your engine and leaves your car susceptible to more wear and tear.
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20. Eating in Your Car
Hang on, what? We know, we know. But believe it or not, eating in your car is pretty ill-advised. Snacking reduces your focus, can lead to spillage, and can even attract animals. It’s best to keep that McDonald’s bag closed until you get home.
