Car tips: 5 bad habits that cause premature wear!

A vehicle is a major investment, and with the rise in prices ever since the pandemic, keeping your car in tip-top condition for as long as possible is more important than ever.

Regular maintenance and good driving habits make all the difference in optimizing your vehicle’s performance, safety, fuel economy, and durability. However, some bad habits can accelerate wear and lead to costly repairs. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid, to extend the life of your vehicle!

1: Treating the engine roughly, especially when it’s cold

The engine is the heart of your vehicle! Harsh accelerations, overloading, or consistently high revs cause premature wear on engine parts. And in winter, it's even worse! Starting the engine and rushing off while it’s still cold can cause serious damage. Allow it to reach its operating temperature before pushing it too hard.

Car tip: Letting the engine idle for a long time does not help it warm up faster. Drive slowly for a few minutes for better results!

2: Improper use of pedals

Automatic transmission: Some drivers use both feet (one on the accelerator, one on the brake), which can damage the transmission and other components.

Manual transmission: Do you keep your foot on the clutch while stopped on an incline? Not a good idea! This causes premature wear. Instead, use the handbrake or the Auto Hold feature if your vehicle is equipped with one.

3: Braking hard and too often

Abrupt and repeated braking is the worst thing you can do for your brake pads and discs! On top of premature wear, it can also affect road grip and safety.

Good habit: Anticipate traffic, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and when going down a hill, use the engine brake rather than constantly riding the brake pedal.

4: Overloading the vehicle

Whether it's the trunk, the cargo bed of a pickup or a trailer, every vehicle has a maximum loading capacity. Exceeding this limit puts strain on the suspension, brakes and tires, on top of increasing fuel consumption.

Good habit: Consult the owner's manual to know the recommended maximum loading capacity and leave a safety margin.

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5: Leaving your vehicle parked for too long

A vehicle that has been parked for too long can lead to a dead battery, deteriorating brakes, and engine oil losing its effectiveness.

To prevent your battery from dying, we recommend regular battery maintenance. Book an appointment here.

Additional car tips:

Take your vehicle out at least once a week for 30 minutes to circulate fluids and keep the battery charged.

Do not let the tank get too low over long periods of time to avoid condensation from forming inside.

If your vehicle is stored for an extended period of time, a fuel stabilizer might be a good idea!

In summary: Adopt these good habits, and your vehicle will remain in top shape longer, thanks to our car maintenance tips.

Need maintenance, advice or a diagnosis? Visit us at Thibault Chrysler Amos; we take care of everything!