10 Bad Driving Habits That Will Ruin Your Car

Summary

In this video, the host discusses 10 common bad driving habits that can significantly damage your car over time. These habits include resting your hand on the gear lever, driving through potholes, ignoring proper tire pressure, and misusing the clutch. The video emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, using engine braking effectively, and treating your car with mechanical sympathy. Practical advice is given for avoiding potholes, standing water, and how to park properly to prevent transmission wear. Overall, it’s a valuable guide for anyone looking to preserve their car’s longevity and performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Resting your hand on the gear lever while driving can cause slow wear on the transmission, leading to costly repairs. Always release the gear lever after shifting.
• 😀 Potholes can severely damage tires, wheels, and suspension components. Always try to steer around them and avoid hitting them when possible.
• 😀 Driving through standing water can conceal hidden hazards like potholes and debris, and it can also accelerate rust. Avoid it when you can, and drive slowly if you can’t.
• 😀 Incorrect tire pressure, whether over or under-inflated, can cause uneven tire wear, poor fuel economy, and reduced grip. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure.
• 😀 Planning ahead while driving is essential for safety and smooth driving. Anticipate turns, hazards, and road conditions early to avoid sudden reactions.
• 😀 Engine braking, when done correctly, saves fuel and makes your drive smoother. Don’t use the clutch to slow down—this can damage your clutch system over time.
• 😀 Being rough with the clutch can cause premature wear on both the clutch and flywheel. Always operate the clutch smoothly to ensure the longevity of the components.
• 😀 Neglecting to use the parking brake can put unnecessary strain on the transmission. Always engage the parking brake when you park, especially on inclines.
• 😀 Leaving your car in gear while parked can wear out the transmission, especially if the parking brake is not used. Always engage the parking brake and leave the car in neutral.
• 😀 Treating your car with mechanical sympathy, by driving smoothly and maintaining awareness of how your actions impact the vehicle, will extend its lifespan and reduce repair costs.

Q & A

Why is resting your hand on the gear lever while driving bad for your car?

Resting your hand on the gear lever while driving can cause gradual wear on the selector fork, which is responsible for engaging different gears. Over time, this can lead to the need for a new transmission or a costly rebuild.

What is the correct way to handle the gear lever when driving?

The correct way to handle the gear lever is to use your hand only to change gears and then immediately release it. If you want to rest your hand, try hovering near the lever without touching it to avoid unnecessary wear on the transmission.

What impact do potholes have on your car?

Potholes can cause significant damage to your car, including destroying tires, cracking wheels, and damaging suspension components. It's important to avoid them whenever possible to maintain the longevity of your vehicle.

How should you handle standing water on the road?

When driving through standing water, you should drive slowly to avoid creating a large splash, which could force water into unwanted areas of your car. Also, standing water can hide potholes, so slow driving minimizes the risk of hitting them.

What is the correct tire pressure for a car?

It is important to maintain the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure, as it is based on the car's weight and other specifications. Extreme deviations, such as significantly higher or lower pressures, can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced vehicle performance.

Why is planning ahead important when driving?

Planning ahead helps you anticipate potential hazards, like tight corners, debris, or other vehicles, allowing you to adjust your speed and position accordingly. This reduces the chances of accidents and helps maintain control of the vehicle.

What is engine braking and how does it benefit your car?

Engine braking occurs when you lift off the throttle while the car is in gear, using the engine's resistance to slow the car down. This helps conserve the brakes, improves fuel efficiency, and creates a smoother driving experience.

What should you avoid doing when engine braking?

You should avoid using the clutch to slow down, as this can damage the clutch. Engine braking works best when you simply release the throttle and let the engine slow the car down, without disengaging the clutch.

What is the potential issue with being rough on the clutch?

Being rough with the clutch can damage the flywheel and clutch components over time. It's important to press and release the clutch smoothly to ensure long-term durability and to avoid unnecessary wear.

Why should you always use the parking brake when parking a car?

Using the parking brake ensures that the car remains securely parked, preventing strain on the transmission. It also helps protect the vehicle from rolling, especially on uneven terrain.