Have you ever wished that you could wave a magic wand over your car to keep it in excellent condition? Car care isn’t quite that simple, but you can make regular choices to reduce typical wear and tear on your car.
1. Consistent speeds
Alternate your driving speed between accelerating moderately and revving the engine. Avoid taking off rapidly from a stop sign, traffic light or your driveway, because an abrupt start wastes gas and causes strain on the drivetrain. By speeding up slowly and steadily, you eliminate overheating. Steady speeds also lengthen your engine and tire life spans. Remember, your car engine will also benefit from higher speeds in a safe manner, as they allow carbon deposits to burn off. Travelling at higher speeds in safe conditions helps to keep your engine clean and free from build-up.
2. Avoid bumps, cracks and potholes
Avoid driving on or through rough patches in the road whenever you can. Potholes can cause terrible damage to your suspension, exhaust and tires. If possible, plan out a different route to avoid bumpy roads. When you approach a speed bump, slow down to drive over it smoothly. With less jolting activity, your car’s steering components and shock absorbers will last much longer.
3. Keep gas level high
Waiting until your tank is almost empty before filling it up can damage your car. When your fuel tank is low, the fuel pump takes in trash and air from the bottom of the tank to make your car run. Those dirty elements can clog and destroy your fuel pump. Keep the gas level high to reduce costly repairs and prevent you from being stranded. If you drive a diesel car, you should be even more cautious of low fuel levels, because the injectors in the engine suck in huge amounts of air. Low fuel reserves can stop the engine from turning over.
4. Drive on a regular basis
Cars are designed to be driven. An idle vehicle will deteriorate just as easily as one enduring wear and tear on the roads. Driving your car at least once weekly helps to maintain the battery’s charge and oil circulation. It also decreases stress on the alternator.
Even if you have nowhere to go, jump in the driver’s seat and take a spin around the corner and back again.
Adopt these successful driving habits to reduce wear and tear on your car. For more information or to view our inventory, contact us today at Mike Duman Auto Superstore.