For many, a vehicle is one of the most important pieces to their personal success. It’s needed for traveling to and from work, to visit friends and family, even as a very job itself. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your vehicle and make sure it’s always running smoothly.
Unfortunately, some of us get into bad habits when it comes to getting behind the wheel. We neglect or mistreat our vehicle, reducing its lifespan, and eventually hurt our own bank account in the process.
Let’s address some everyday harmful habits that will help us keep our vehicles on the road and getting us where we need to be.
Basic Maintenance
Thirty years ago your dad changed his own oil, the oil in your mom’s car, and even the oil in that old beater you called your first car. But not everyone today knows how to do it, or even does it when they’re supposed to, which makes for bad habit #1.
Regular maintenance not only increases your car’s longevity, it keeps you safe. You should be taking your car to a professional often, making sure that the oil (and filter) is replaced every 3,000 miles. They’ll also be able to tell you if you need to change your transmission fluid, replace the internal air filter, or if your brakes need some love.
It might require you to invest a bit of money in the short term, but it could save you thousands in the long run. Check your owner’s manual to learn what your car needs!
Warning Lights
If you’ve been driving for any length of time, chances are you’ve seen an indicator light pop up for one thing or another—tires with low air, an oil change needed, or any number of other things.
These warning lights are indicators that your car needs attention. And while the lights vary from vehicle to vehicle, it’s important to know what they mean for your car and how fast you need to find a professional. You don’t want to be driving around with a serious leak that could cost you $500 to fix when, if you addressed it early, could have only cost you $50.
Stop Shifting Too Early
We’ve all done it—shifted to another gear before the car stops moving. It’s also one of the worst habits because it’s wrecking your transmission. When you’re transitioning from drive to reserve (or vice versa), it’s important to make sure the car is fully stopped. The strain on a transmission’s gears with the “jerk” motion can do significant damage and cost a pretty penny.
Tires Don’t Last Forever
It’s true, tires can be expensive, and replacing all four at the same time isn’t ideal. But driving on worn or bald tires can be dangerous. If you blow a tire while driving, you could be stranded, or worse, lose control of your vehicle and wind up in a serious accident. It also makes driving in the rain more difficult. Don’t neglect the things always in contact with rough roads—change your tires.
