SUBTLE Habits That DESTROY Your Car (Tier List)

Summary

This video outlines common car maintenance mistakes that can seriously damage your vehicle. From failing to warm up your car to ignoring your check engine light, the host emphasizes small but critical habits that can affect your car’s lifespan. Key tips include avoiding speeding over speed bumps, not using the right fuel octane, and refraining from flooring your car too often. The video also warns against overloading your car, neglecting potholes, and ignoring the underside of your car in winter conditions. The host offers practical advice to prevent costly damage and keep your car running smoothly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Let your car warm up for 30 seconds to a minute before driving, to prevent damage to your engine. No need for excessive warm-up times unless it's extremely cold.
• 😀 Avoid speeding over speed bumps as it can damage your car’s suspension and drivetrain. Slow down for better car longevity.
• 😀 Resting your hand on the gear lever does not prematurely wear out your transmission, contrary to popular myths. It’s not harmful unless you're applying pressure.
• 😀 Always use the recommended octane fuel for your car. Using lower octane can cause engine knock and long-term damage.
• 😀 Avoid slamming on the brakes. Use engine braking when possible, especially if you drive a manual. Gradually slowing down is better for your brakes and your car.
• 😀 Don’t ignore the check engine light. Even minor issues like a faulty O2 sensor should be addressed, as neglecting it can lead to more serious problems later.
• 😀 Overloading your car with too much weight, including excessive cargo or passengers, can strain the vehicle and cause long-term damage.
• 😀 Flooring your car regularly can wear out the engine faster. Occasional fast driving is fine, but constant revving strains the engine.
• 😀 Never shift to reverse before coming to a complete stop. Prematurely shifting gears can damage your transmission.
• 😀 Avoid potholes as much as possible, as they can mess up your car’s alignment and lead to costly repairs.

Q & A

Why is it important to let your car warm up before driving?

Allowing your car to warm up ensures that the oil reaches a proper temperature, which helps lubricate the engine correctly. This prevents engine strain and long-term damage. A short warm-up of 30 seconds to a minute is typically sufficient, except in extremely cold climates.

What’s the issue with going too fast over speed bumps?

Speed bumps are designed to slow down vehicles. Driving too fast over them can damage your suspension and drivetrain. It's important to approach speed bumps at a moderate speed to avoid unnecessary stress on your car's components.

Does resting your hand on the gear lever damage your transmission?

No, there is no evidence to support the claim that resting your hand on the gear lever prematurely wears out the transmission. As long as you're not applying excessive pressure, it’s perfectly fine.

Why should you always use the recommended octane fuel for your car?

Using the correct octane fuel is crucial because it’s tuned for optimal performance. Using lower octane fuel can cause engine knock, which is damaging in the long term. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for fuel type to avoid performance issues and costly repairs.

How does slamming on the brakes affect your car?

Slamming on the brakes puts unnecessary strain on your brake system, leading to faster wear and tear. It’s recommended to gradually slow down and use engine braking if possible, especially in manual transmission cars.

What happens if you ignore the check engine light?

Ignoring the check engine light can be risky. Even if it seems like a minor issue, such as an O2 sensor, it could prevent you from noticing a more serious problem down the line. It’s essential to address the check engine light promptly to prevent further damage.

Is overloading your car really harmful?

Yes, consistently overloading your car puts extra strain on the suspension and drivetrain, leading to premature wear and tear. It’s best to avoid carrying excessive weight unless your car is designed for it, such as in a truck with a rated payload capacity.

Why is constantly flooring your car bad for the engine?

Frequent hard accelerations, or flooring the car, puts a significant strain on the engine, causing it to wear out faster. It’s fine to enjoy an occasional performance pull, but constant redlining can lead to premature engine failure.

What’s the problem with prematurely shifting to reverse while moving forward?

Shifting into reverse before the car has come to a complete stop can severely damage the transmission. The gears aren’t designed to shift in that direction while the car is still moving forward, and doing so can cause costly repairs.

Why should you avoid potholes when driving?

Potholes can severely damage your car’s alignment, suspension, and other key systems. They put unnecessary stress on the vehicle, and hitting one at high speed can cause significant damage to your car’s overall structure.

How does running your car on low gas impact its performance?

Running your car on low gas places strain on the fuel system, particularly the fuel pump and filter. This can lead to clogged filters and even more serious engine issues over time. It’s best to keep your tank above a quarter full and avoid frequent refueling with small amounts.

Why is it important to clean the underside of your car in snowy, salted conditions?

Salt from snowy roads can cause corrosion on the underside of your car, leading to rust and damage to critical components like control arms. Regularly cleaning the undercarriage during winter months can prevent this long-term damage.