After driving for a few years, you often feel like you’re an expert when it comes to all things on the road. You may occasionally skip or prolong your car service, oil change, or forget to slow down at a speed bump. While these things aren’t terrible by themselves, they do create bad habits that will damage your vehicle in the long run. The good news is that these bad habits can be changed and you can protect your vehicle and your wallet. Not sure what some bad driving habits are? Here are 5 of them:

1. Carrying too Much Weight in your Vehicle
   Oftentimes, people don’t realize that caring too much weight in your vehicle can damage your car. Too much weight in your vehicle will make your engine work harder, and cause you to use more gas in the short term. Additionally, having too much weight in your vehicle is bad for the braking and exhaust system. Before starting your drive, always check to see if there is anything you can take out. Or, clean your vehicle out once a week.

2. Skipping or Missing Car Services
   When was the last time you had a car service? Or had your oil changed? Had your brakes checked? Can’t remember? It’s okay – no one is perfect, but it’s very important you maintain your car services to ensure it doesn’t create more problems for the future. It’s also very important to keep in mind that skipping car services can cost you big time down the road.

3. Driving the Vehicle with Low Fuel
   When do you wait to refuel your vehicle? Do you wait for half a tank, quarter tank, or do you wait for it to be empty? If you’re the type of person that waits for it to be empty or close to it, it’s time to make a change! Driving your vehicle on low fuel can cause long term damage to your fuel pump. Generally, it’s recommended that you fill-up when you hit a quarter tank.

4. Driving too Fast Over Speed Bumps
   If you are the type of person that often drives fast over speed bumps, you need to take your foot off the accelerator and slow down! Speeding over speed bumps not only causes your vehicle to shake, but it also causes damage to your tires, which could negatively impact your wheel alignment. Additionally, it could damage your car’s suspension components.

5. Not Avoiding Potholes
   Potholes are often caused by bad weather and crappy seasons. If you drive fast and through a pothole can be very costly, and damage your car and tires. It can also cause damage to your suspension and alignment. The best practice here is to simply slow down, and avoid the pothole when possible. 

No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. The important thing is to be aware of the bad habits you have and make a decision to improve them. It’s important to hold yourself accountable and ask for help when needed. If you’ve ever done any of these bad habits and haven’t had your vehicle checked, bring it to the experts at Warrenton Auto. We’ll gladly help you, and provide tips on how to prevent these common habits in the future.