Vehicle breakdowns can be chaotic. Suddenly, you don’t have a way to take your children to school or get to work. You may have to re-schedule appointments and risk losing your job. However, this chaos is incredibly common. In fact, according to Profound-Answers, 69 million vehicles break down yearly nationwide. You can help preserve the health of your car with healthy driving habits and maintenance at an auto repair shop.
Aggressive Stops
Avoid situations that may make you slam on your brakes. You can’t always avoid things like someone pulling out before you. However, it’s essential to do what you can. Slow down and gently push on the brake peddle when approaching a red light or stop sign. Keep a safe distance from other cars so you won’t have to slam on your brakes, which can make the brakes wear out faster than average.
Faster Turning
Sharp turns that make you jerk the steering wheel can put significant wear and tear on your steering system. The tires may rub against the wheel well, resulting in more wear and tear. Your suspension system and tire rods will go out sooner than average if you continue to speed around turns. Instead, make sure you take your time going around turns. This can help prevent an accident and preserve your vehicle.
Too Many Short Trips
Try taking a few longer trips instead of several short ones. Many people try to save gas by taking more frequent, short trips. However, this is a disaster for your car. The oil in your vehicle must reach an optimal temperature to help eliminate contaminants. If your oil doesn’t get the optimal operating temperature, it can make it turn into sludge sooner. This can also slowly kill your battery because the alternator never has enough time to recharge the battery while you’re driving. You’ll wind up at an auto repair shop because the car won’t start.
Too Much Weight
It’s too easy to overload your car or truck accidentally. This is especially true if you need to move something. Using your car or truck to haul too much weight is horrible for your suspension and can make your shocks wear out sooner. Instead, read the owner’s manual to determine how much you can haul with your vehicle.
Another excellent way to help keep your vehicle running is to ensure it receives regular maintenance, such as oil changes, from an experienced auto repair shop. We specialize in maintenance and repair. Contact our team at Chase Automotive Repair today to schedule an appointment.