7 Driving Habits That Damage Your Car

While you might not realise you’re doing it, it’s likely some of your driving habits are putting your car under unnecessary strain. Even the most cautious drivers are engaging in practices that harm their vehicles.

Here’s 7 driving habits that might be damaging your car:

Keeping the fuel tank low

While it can be tempting to prolong trips to the petrol station, driving on a low fuel tank can inflict substantial damage to your vehicle. Your car can pick up debris from the bottom of the tank which could damage the fuel filter and pump - this could result in a costly repair service.

Overloading your vehicle

Every vehicle has a weight limit and it’s never wise to exceed this. This can put strain on the brakes, suspension and drivetrain. It’s important to not overload your cars - make sure you don’t overpack your car on long journeys and ensure you remove items from your vehicle even when you’re not using it.

Resting your hand on the gear stick

Resting your hand on the gear stick is a common driving habit. But it’s also one you should avoid - you risk causing premature wear to your selector fork.

Revving the engine while it’s cold

Revving your engine before it has had time to heat up is highly damaging to the engine and especially the transmission, as the engine’s oil hasn’t had sufficient time to circulate and properly warm your car.

Excessive emergency breaks

While there will be times where it’s essential to make emergency stops and perform a sudden brake, doing this too often can place strain on your braking system. This can wear out your pads and discs faster.

Hitting too many potholes and speed bumps

Unsurprisingly, holes in the ground are not good for your car - reports have found that a third of all vehicle damage is caused as a result of potholes. Similarly, you should also take care around speed bumps - driving over them without slowing down can damage the front, rear, underside and exhaust system of your car.

Ignoring warning signs

Car maintenance can seem like an inconvenience at the best of times and therefore many people put off getting their car checked out. However, ignoring warning signs like strange vibrations, intermittent squeaks, occasional knocks, or other unusual symptoms is only going to cost you more in the long run. The last thing you want is to be left stranded on the side of the road when you least expect it - or worse, involved in an accident.

If your car has acquired a little too much wear and tear, Acorn Tyres and Servicing is here to help. We’re dedicated to repairing and maintaining your car, making it safe for the road and keeping it running for longer. Whether you’re looking for a reliable garage for your car servicing, or unexpected faults are causing you hassle, we can provide you with excellent customer care. From exhaust repair to our tyre replacement service, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free quote.