While cars naturally depreciate with age, some drivers have habits that can also impact a car’s condition. Some driving behaviors can cause certain parts of the car to wear out sooner than they normally would. This can lead to high maintenance and repair bills. Here are some things to be aware of while behind the wheel to keep your car operating efficiently for as long as possible.
Try to avoid driving on roads near construction sites, as it is easy to get a flat tire from scattered nails or road debris. Keep the tire manufacturer’s recommended amount of air in your tires to prevent them from going flat and possibly damaging the rim. Install the right tires to fit your car and to provide safe maneuvering in difficult weather like icy conditions or snow-covered roads. When your tire tread begins to wear thin, replace your tires with new ones to avoid accidents. Additionally, if you notice your tire pressure light come on, check your tire pressure as soon as you can. One of your tires might have a slow leak, or your tires might not have the right amount of air in them for the temperature outside. Being a cautious driver can help your tires to last for as long as possible.
Some experts recommend that you have your tires rotated about every other oil change. Failure to rotate the tires so that they wear evenly can lead to tire unevenness, which can cause wheel alignment problems. Whenever you have one or more new tires put on the car, have the alignment checked at the same time in case adjustments need to be made. As you are driving you should also try to avoid turning the steering wheel too abruptly and bumping into road or driveway objects that can cause the steering to become misaligned.
Slamming on the brakes can wear them out far more quickly than using them as intended. Pumping the brakes too often or too much can also cause excessive wear and tear. Driving experts often suggest to brake gradually going into a turn and then resume acceleration at the turning point of the road. It is also not a good idea to ride the brakes over bumpy roads or in heavy traffic. Check a driving handbook if you are not sure the correct way to use your vehicle’s brakes and to learn about how to drive in lower gears when coasting downhill.
A car’s shocks and struts help to absorb the bumpiness of a rough road. Driving too fast or too hard on a bumpy road can more quickly wear out the shocks or the struts. Reckless driving during which you carelessly hit speed bumps or road objects can damage your car’s shock absorbers. Drive carefully wherever you go to avoid putting too much stress on these parts of your car.
Safe, thoughtful driving habits can keep your car safe and running well for a long time. Take care of your car to reduce repair and replacement costs.
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