As
the years go by, you will no doubt develop certain habits while you operate
your car. While a few of these mannerisms make driving more convenient for you,
some might be causing damage to your car. You may then begin to wonder why your
visits to your local mechanic is increasing in frequency. Professional auto service technicians
serving Portland reveal the top five destructive quirks you should stop doing
now.
Not Getting the Engine Warmed
Up
Those
of you who always run late when going to work or school are sometimes guilty of
this. In your hurry to rev up the engine and pull out of the driveway, you are
stressing out your engine and its components. Allow your engine at least 60
seconds to warm up after starting the car. This simple action helps along the
distribution of oil and gets the oil temperature at the right level for optimum
performance.
Ignoring the Check Engine
Light
It’s
safe to say that most inexperienced drivers are accustomed to doing this. After
all, if the vehicle is still running well, why should one worry about the pesky
blinking light on the dash? What they don’t know, however, is that a check
engine light is a warning that should be taken seriously. Even a small problem
like a loose gas cap can cause a staggering annual loss of 147
million gallons of gas due to its quicker evaporation.
Keeping a Hand on the Shifter
This
one’s common for drivers who prefer cars with manual transmission. While that
extra second you save when switching gears makes your drive a bit easier, it
takes a toll on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizers. Over time, this
leads to premature wear that could be expensive to fix. It’s best to keep both
hands on the wheel if you don’t intend to change gears.
Letting the Tank Run Too Low
How
often do you fill up the tank? If you’re one of those few car owners who like
to drive until there’s less than a quarter fuel in the tank, then you are
putting your fuel pump at risk. Many fuel pumps in cars today are kept cool by
the fuel they are submerged in. If the tank’s always almost empty before you
gas up again, there’s a big chance that you might need to replace the fuel pump
in the near future. Keeping your car fueled up can really save you a lot of
trouble.
Disregarding the Service Schedule
In
your owner’s manual, you will find a preventative maintenance schedule. This
sheet of paper is the key to keeping your car running efficiently for the
longest time possible. It will also help you avoid the more expensive repairs
you might encounter. Do your best not to miss your appointment with the
technicians so they can inspect the essential parts and components in time.
That said, you should also not neglect any warning signs you see when you
drive. If there are strange vibrations and sounds, don’t hesitate to bring the
car around.
About McLoughlin Chevrolet
McLoughlin
Chevrolet is known around Portland for its extensive inventory of new and used
Chevrolet and GM cars. In our dealership, we do everything to help buyers with
their needs, whether it’s with financing or auto service. We can assist you
with everything from routine maintenance to car trade-ins.
Sources:
10 Bad Habits
That Damage Your Car, PopulareMechanics.com
No comments:
Post a Comment