The Impact of Driving Habits on Car Maintenance

You can admit it, we all get road rage every once in a while. It always seems like when you’re in a rush, the car in front of you is just taking in the sights. However, did you know that there can be consequences to your driving habits on car maintenance? Your car doesn’t just run on gas. It’s a finely tuned machine that requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts for years. While many factors influence your vehicle’s longevity and performance, one often overlooked aspect is your driving habits. Here are a few facts on the impact of driving habits on car maintenance.

Speed and Aggression

Rapid acceleration and hard braking can put unnecessary stress on your vehicle. It can affect your engine, transmission, and brakes. Over time, this stress can compromise your car’s performance and make your car more likely to break down.

While driving at high speeds can be exhilarating, any driver will experience greater wear and tear on their vehicle if they drive at high speeds for extended periods. This can lead to reduced lifespan of various components, increasing the risk of a breakdown.

Frequent Short Trips

Aggressive driving techniques can put unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and brakes. These harsh maneuvers can damage them over time and shorten their lifespan, leading to additional maintenance costs that could have been avoided if you had not been so aggressive with your driving.

If you drive your car often, the build-up of moisture from quick trips may also cause your exhaust system to corrode faster. Get into the habit of planning your trips ahead of time, allowing for one long trip to be completed at once rather than continuously driving around every day to complete a different task.

Idling

Idling your vehicle unnecessarily can cost you both time and money. It is a waste of fuel, which leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Idling also wears out your engine faster due to excessive heat that builds up inside the engine compartment while the vehicle is turned off.

Modern vehicles are actually designed to consume less fuel when restarted than when idling. This updated feature takes advantage of that and greatly reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.

Forgetting Routine Maintenance

Some people forget that your car should be treated like you. You go to the doctor every year, get your teeth cleaned every year, why shouldn’t your car? Skipping oil changes and other routine maintenance tasks is one of the easiest ways to limit your vehicle’s lifespan and decrease fuel efficiency. By following the recommended service schedule, you help protect your car from expensive repairs and reduce emissions. Regular maintenance for your car means less wear and tear, fewer breakdowns, and a safer ride.

Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading your car can strain the suspension, tires, and brakes. Stressed brakes may wear out faster and cause you to hydroplane while braking, leading to an increased risk of a crash. While it is certainly okay to carry a heavy load every once in a while, remember to take the larger items out of your car when not necessary. This includes heavy machinery, boats, weighted sports equipment, or anything else that carries excessive weight.

Warning Sign Slander

Sometimes your car just makes weird noises, right? Most of the time it’s nothing to worry about, but every so often, you may have a warning light appear on your dashboard. Those are there for a reason! If a strange noise, warning light, or unusual vibration occurs during your vehicle’s operation, don’t ignore it. The sooner you address the situation, the easier it will be to fix.

Taking Care of Your Tires

Your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road. They play a significant role in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, handling performance, and overall safety. By neglecting proper tire maintenance, you can significantly reduce the life of your tires and increase your chances of getting into an accident.

Your tire pressure changes over the year. In the winter, you may need a little extra pressure due to the cold, while the summer actually requires less. It is important to make sure you know your car tire’s specific limit.

Driving Habits and Car Maintenance with C&G Auto

Regularly taking care of your car’s maintenance and driving habits are just as vital to its longevity as the tires you buy. So, next time you hit the road, remember that your driving habits are a key part of caring for your car. Regular maintenance and mindful driving can extend the life of your vehicle, improve fuel efficiency and overall performance—plus save you money in the long run.

Have car trouble? C&G Auto is here to help. From tire replacements, to oil changes, and everything in between. Contactus and/or check out more about how we can help you at C&G Auto and Truck.