7 Common Driving Habits That Might Be Damaging Your Car

Biting your nails. Cracking your knuckles. Gossiping. 

Bad habits. We all have them. What about bad driving habits? Whether you know it or not, you may have some driving habits that might be damaging your car.

Occasionally messing up with your car probably doesn’t mean anything, but developing consistent bad habits can lead to pricey fixes and repairs.

Here are 7 common driving habits that might be damaging your car. 

#1. Slamming On The Brakes

It is understandable that we are all forced to slam on our brakes occasionally when there are road emergencies, but consistently slamming on the brakes can lead to various forms of wear and tear that may compromise the vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity.

The sudden and intense friction generated during hard braking can cause excessive heat that eventually leads to decreased braking efficiency, reduced stopping power, and the need for more frequent brake replacements.

#2. Overloading The Car

Exceeding a car’s designated weight capacity can cause multiple problems for the car. Overloading the car places excessive stress on its suspension system, including springs, shocks, and struts. As a result of this, the car’s handling and stability can be compromised. 

Overloading also puts extra strain on the engine and transmission. The engine has to work harder to move the increased mass, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, overheating, and accelerated wear. Transmissions may experience higher temperatures and increased wear when tasked with heavy loads.

#3. Ignoring Warning Lights

Ignoring warning lights in a car can have serious consequences that can lead to damaging the vehicle’s systems, compromising safety, and potentially resulting in costly repairs. Modern vehicles have various warning lights on the dashboard that are meant to alert drivers of potential issues and malfunctions. 

These lights are crucial indicators that shouldn’t be ignored. Some of these lights that are vital to address include oil pressure, temperature, brake system, tire pressure, airbag, transmission, battery, and others.

#4. Driving On Empty

Waiting until your fuel light is on to fill up can be very risky. You may think you have another 40 miles in your gas tank, but there is really no way to guarantee that you’ll make it safely to the gas station. Driving on empty increases the risk of stalling, especially during sudden acceleration or uphill driving. When the fuel is low, the alternator has to work harder to generate the electricity needed to power the vehicle’s systems.

Running out of fuel can also leave you in pretty bad situations. It can leave you stranded in unsafe or inconvenient locations, putting you at risk and potentially leading to other issues like flat tires or engine overheating if you’re unable to move the vehicle.

#5. Shifting Without Stopping

Shifting from reverse to drive (or vice versa) without coming to a complete stop or while the vehicle is still in motion can potentially lead to damaging your car’s transmission and drivetrain components. Abruptly shifting from reverse to drive can put stress on the transmission, causing excessive wear and even potential damage.

Improper shifting can also disrupt the fluid pressure within the transmission, affecting its ability to properly lubricate and cool the internal components. This can result in increased friction and wear, leading to transmission overheating and premature failure.

#6. Riding The Brakes

Keeping your foot on the brake pedal creates constant friction between the brake pads and rotors. This generates heat that can cause the brake components to wear down more quickly. Riding the brakes also can cause the brake fluid to heat up and boil, leading to brake fade. This reduces braking efficiency, causing a soft or spongy brake pedal feel and increasing the distance required to come to a stop.

#7. Hitting Speed Bumps And Potholes Too Fast

Speed bumps were designed to slow down vehicles and ensure safer traffic flow in certain areas like parking lots, residential zones, and school zones. Hitting speed bumps at high speeds can cause the suspension to compress rapidly and forcefully. Repeatedly hitting speed bumps at high speeds can lead to a rougher ride, reduced handling, and increased risk of accidents. 

Potholes are holes in the road surface that can form due to wear and tear, weather conditions, and heavy traffic. Potholes can cause a sudden impact on your suspension system, along with putting your tires under substantial stress. Wheels can suffer from bent or cracked rims due to the force of the impact. Potholes can sometimes come out of nowhere, but when they are visible, be sure to slow down and give yourself time to avoid them.

Save Money On Car Fixes From Damaging Your Car

These 7 habits may be damaging your car. Whether it’s ruining your tires or wearing down your brakes, car problems can come up at any moment. Avoiding these habits can significantly increase the lifespan of your car and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.