Essential Driving Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer

Ever wonder how some older cars look like they just rolled off the showroom floor while others from the same period are falling apart? Although regular maintenance is essential, your driving habits in your day-to-day life are crucial for the longevity of your car.

Here are some practical driving tips to help keep your car in excellent condition and extend its lifespan.

1. Avoid Potholes

It may seem obvious, yet many drivers routinely plow through potholes even when there's room to steer clear. Deep potholes can significantly damage your tires, wheels, suspension, and steering components. By avoiding or slowing down for these obstacles, you'll protect your vehicle from annoying rattles and squeaks that arise from repeated impacts, loosening various parts over time.

2. Don't Tailgate Trucks

While getting stuck behind a truck is sometimes unavoidable, you have control over how closely you follow one. Maintaining distance is not just about safety. It also shields your car from flying rocks and other debris that can chip paint, crack headlights, and take a toll on your windshield over time. Also, avoiding the rear end of old trucks minimizes the chance of black soot entering your ventilation system.

3. Drive Smoothly

Stable, smooth driving helps keep your car's parts intact. Essentially, this principle holds true whether you’re changing lanes or merging into traffic. Gradual maneuvers mean less stress on your car’s mechanical components and help them age more gracefully.

4. Come to a Complete Stop Before Reversing

How many times do you throw it into reverse when still moving? This practice can wear out your transmission prematurely. Never make this shift without first coming to a complete stop. That premature shifting forces the transmission to deal with momentum it shouldn't have to. It leads to unnecessary wear and tear on the gearbox. This guidance also applies when putting the car into park. This lever is specifically designed for locking gears, not for stopping the car.

5. Steer Only While Moving

Only maneuver the wheel when your vehicle is moving. Even when parallel parking, you want the car moving before you crank the wheel. This minimizes strain on the steering rack and also on other components. Strain is one of the common reasons for steering issues. It's worth noting that turning the steering wheel when you’re not moving puts a lot of stress on the system. This is because it has to deal with both tire friction and the weight of the vehicle.

6. Combine Errands Into One Trip

Would you like to boost the longevity of your engine? Try to batch your errands into one trip when you can. Running a cold engine for short distances is harmful to its health. If you run all your workload together, you will maintain engine temperature for longer and allow it to operate under specific temperatures.

Adhering to these practical driving tips and understanding how your vehicle functions will significantly enhance its longevity. For more insights and additional car maintenance advice, call or visit Thornhill Auto Group in Chapmanville, WV. If you need auto service, you can schedule an appointment by phone or through our website.