5 Things You Should NEVER Do To Your Modern Car in 2024

Summary

In this video, the host shares five crucial tips to avoid damaging your car and ensure its longevity. Key advice includes not driving with a low fuel tank to protect the fuel pump, avoiding overfilling your gas tank, and understanding your engine's specifications for better maintenance. The host emphasizes the importance of driving with purpose, conducting 'Italian tuneups' for engine health, and being mindful of short trips. Other tips cover protecting the steering column, avoiding excessive keychains, and maintaining sunroof drains to prevent flooding. Practical insights are provided to enhance car reliability and longevity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't drive your car on a low tank of fuel. It can damage the fuel pump, which is cooled by gasoline. Keep at least half a tank to avoid expensive repairs.
• 😀 Avoid overfilling your gas tank. It can lead to system damage, so stop filling once the pump clicks off.
• 😀 Know what type of engine your car has (e.g., 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection). This helps you maintain it properly and avoid issues like carbon buildup in direct-injection engines.
• 😀 Take your car on the highway occasionally to avoid carbon buildup, especially if you have a direct-injection engine. A regular ‘Italian tuneup’ helps keep your engine clean.
• 😀 Avoid short city trips that don't allow your engine to reach proper operating temperature. Take longer trips when possible to prevent engine issues.
• 😀 Don't hang anything from your car’s shifter or steering column. It can damage important components like the clock spring, which connects the airbag and steering wheel controls.
• 😀 Never hang items from your rearview mirror. It can impair your vision and damage the mounting or connected sensors, leading to expensive repairs.
• 😀 Keep your keychain light. Excess weight can wear down the ignition switch, potentially leaving you stranded with a non-turning key.
• 😀 Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners like Windex on your infotainment screen. These can damage touch screens, leading to malfunction and discoloration.
• 😀 Regularly clean your sunroof drains to prevent water buildup inside the car. Clogged drains can cause flooding, mold, and electrical issues in the interior.

Q & A

Why shouldn't you drive your car on a low fuel tank frequently?

Driving with a low fuel tank can damage the fuel pump. The pump relies on being submerged in fuel to stay cool. Constantly running low on fuel causes the pump to overheat, leading to potential failures and expensive repairs.

What is the 'Italian Tune-Up' and how does it benefit your car?

An 'Italian Tune-Up' involves pushing your car to its redline for short bursts, usually once a week or every two weeks. This helps prevent carbon buildup, especially in direct-injection engines, and keeps the engine components clean by allowing them to reach their optimal operating temperature.

Why is overfilling your gas tank harmful?

Overfilling the gas tank can cause damage to the fuel system, especially modern cars. Excess fuel can overflow into areas that shouldn’t have it, and over time, this can lead to costly repairs. It's best to avoid topping up the tank unnecessarily.

How can you preserve your fuel pump on a budget?

If you're on a budget and can't always fill your tank, it's recommended to top up when it reaches half-full. This keeps the fuel pump submerged and cool, extending its lifespan. Just add smaller amounts of fuel as needed to maintain a half-tank.

What engine type should you use the correct fuel for, and why?

Always use the recommended fuel type for your car’s engine. Regular fuel for cars that require it, and premium for those that demand it. Using the wrong fuel type can result in decreased performance and unnecessary fuel costs without providing any benefits.

What impact does driving only short distances have on your engine?

Frequent short trips prevent your engine from warming up properly, which can lead to carbon buildup, especially in direct-injection engines. Long trips allow the engine to reach higher temperatures, helping to burn off carbon and improve overall efficiency.

What are the risks of hanging things from your car's shifter or steering column?

Hanging objects from your shifter can damage the park-neutral safety switch, while hanging things from the steering column can cause wear or damage to the spiral cable. This cable connects essential functions like the airbag and steering wheel controls, making it expensive to repair if damaged.

Why should you avoid using Windex or similar glass cleaners on your car's infotainment screen?

Windex and other ammonia-based cleaners can damage the coatings on touch screens. The ammonia can cause discoloration and malfunction of the touch interface, which is costly to repair or replace.

What are sunroof drains, and why are they important?

Sunroof drains are part of a controlled leak system in the sunroof design. They allow rainwater to flow through gutters and out of the car. If these drains become clogged, water can accumulate inside the vehicle, leading to soaked carpets and electrical issues.

What should you check when replacing a windshield to prevent water leaks?

When getting a windshield replaced, make sure to work with a reputable company. Poor installation can result in leaks, which lead to flooding inside the car and potential electrical damage. Always inspect for any signs of water intrusion after replacement.