Common Mistakes that Damage Your Car

Most people are well aware that getting into a collision is a costly error. Unless you have collision coverage, you’ll have to pay for repairs out of pocket. If you do have collision coverage, your insurance premiums will go up. 

However, there are plenty of other ways your car can be damaged, no matter how cautiously you drive. Check out this list of five common mistakes drivers make to see if you may be inadvertently damaging your vehicle. 

1) Turning the wheels without moving 

We’ve all been there – you get boxed into a space in a parking lot and have no choice but to turn your wheels while the car is stationary. Situations like these are unavoidable and won’t do significant damage in the long run, but if this is a habit for you, expect your car’s steering system to need repairs in the near future. 

Steering while at a standstill puts significant pressure on your vehicle’s power steering, leading to wear and tear and resulting in the steering system becoming damaged. 

2) Switching from reverse to drive without stopping

If you regularly reverse out of your driveway and then shift into drive without stopping, you’re not alone. Despite this being a regular practice for many people, it’s not a good one. Unless you’re driving below 5 miles per hour, shifting into drive from reverse will damage your transmission and vice versa. 

Newer transmissions will automatically shift into neutral, reducing the potential for damage. However, unless you want to shell out the cash to pay for a costly transmission repair or replacement, it’s best to get into the habit of stepping on the brakes while you shift gears. 

3) Using household cleaners on your vehicle

The desire to clean your car often comes at a whim. Unless you already have auto cleaning supplies in your garage, you’re likely to grab your household cleaning supplies. These are gentle enough – right? 

Wrong. Using glass cleaner on your rear windshield can be incredibly damaging. This is because glass cleaners often contain ammonia, a chemical that will corrode the heat tint film on your windshield.

Similarly, using dish soap on the body of your car will strip away the wax and sealer, exposing your vehicle to the elements.  

4) Continuous breaking

Many people believe that pressing the brake gently and continuously is better for the brakes. It also makes the ride a lot smoother for passengers. 

It may come as a surprise that the best thing for your breaks is to step on the brake pedal harder at intervals rather than gently and continuously. The latter will lead your brake pads to heat up and wear out, increasing the time it takes to stop. 

If you’re not breaking as quickly as you think you should be, it may be worth visiting an auto body shop in Salt Lake City to get your brake pads replaced. 

5) Failing to check tire pressure

Low tire pressure can go unnoticed unless checked regularly. Driving with low tire pressure is dangerous. It wears down your tires, decreases fuel mileage, and extends the distance it takes to brake, increasing the chance of collision. 

Pick up a tire pressure monitor to avoid this costly mistake. 

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