Master Mechanic: 6 Driving Tips To Help Your Car Last Longer
At Master Mechanic, we see vehicles of all makes, models, and ages. Some older vehicles roll into our shop looking new, while others are ready to retire. While maintenance definitely has a lot to do with the lifespan of your car, daily driving habits also play a big part. We sat down with a Master Mechanic to discuss the top driving tips to help keep your car on the road for as long as possible.
1. Steer-clear of potholes
Avoiding big holes in the road might seem obvious, but it needs to be said. Many people drive through potholes they see or don’t watch for them at all. When deep enough, potholes can not only damage your tire and wheel, the impact can also have negative effects on the suspension and steering components in your car. Keep watch, avoid potholes when possible, and slow down when you can’t.
2. Look down the road
Keeping your eyes on the road might seem like another obvious driving tip, but hear us out. It’s important to look down the road, not just right in front of you. This will help you avoid weird items on the road and braking suddenly when the car in front of you does. This will also give you time to slow down for things like train tracks, sewers, and bends in the road that can affect your car if hit at a high speed.
3. Steer-clear of potholes Look down the road Do not follow trucks closely
Sometimes driving on the highway means you get stuck behind or beside trucks. While you may not have a choice what vehicles you drive behind or beside, you can choose to leave a safe distance. Not only is it safer to leave a greater distance between you and larger vehicles, but you’ll also save your car from flying rocks and debris which can damage your paint, windshield, headlights, and tires.
4. Start Slow
Your car engine is designed to move your car forward, but you should respect its limits. While there is no reason to idle the car for long, you should take it easy for the first few kilometres while your engine reaches its optimal temperature. In addition to slowing down wear and tear, your car is also most fuel-efficient when it’s driving at the proper temperature.
5. Come to a full stop before reversing
One of the most common bad driving habits is throwing your car into reverse while the vehicle is still in motion. It’s the quickest road to an early transmission failure. If you shift while your vehicle is still moving, you’re putting unnecessary strain on your transmission.
It’s crucial to take the time to reach a full stop before changing gears and this rule should be applied to all transmission shifts. When shifting into park with an automatic transmission, a tiny lever is engaged to lock the gear. This lever is not designed to stop a moving car and doing so too often will lead to failure.
With road trip season upon us, it’s essential to maintain good driving habits to keep your car in good working condition. At Master Mechanic, we’re here to help with all maintenance, but we also want to try to make sure you don’t need it.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local Master Mechanic today
