5 Sure Fire Ways To Ruin Your Car

5 Sure Fire Ways To Ruin Your Car

Most drivers understand the importance of routine maintenance in regard to their vehicle. Oil changes, replacing brakes, and milestone services form a foundation of longevity in the basic systems of your car or truck. Still, there are some very important driving practices that can lead to early demise for your ride. Our partners at Sikes & Stowe, Inc. in Jacksonville, FL have given us a few to watch out for to maximize the life of one of your most valuable possessions.

Never shift into drive while your vehicle is still rolling backwards. It puts an immense amount of wear on your transmission, which can lead to some of the most costly repairs you'll encounter. Make sure you come to a complete stop and shift slowly.

Make sure you're putting in the correct ratio of coolant to water into your radiator. There are a couple of good reasons for this. The first involves optimal cooling temperatures and eliminating the possibility of freezing. The other is that coolants have an additive that prevents a condition called "galvanic corrosion." If you have too much water and not enough coolant, your vehicle may overheat easily or corrode over time. 

Slow down sufficiently for speed bumps and potholes. Barreling over them can adversely affect your alignment or steering, which can also lead to costly repairs. 

Keep your gas tank over half full. Over time sediment sinks to the bottom of the tank, and as your fuel level gets lower, the greater the odds become that the detritus becomes lodged in your fuel system.

Don't rev your engine. You may be tempted to speed up the process of warming up a cold vehicle, but revving the engine can cause several issues stemming fro uneven lubrication and the rapid heating of smaller parts.

With just a few minor tweaks to these habits, you can expect to significantly extend the life of your vehicle. Hopefully this helps and safe driving!

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: cbac.com