Car Maintenance | Lou's Car Care Center, Inc.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What driving habits are ruining my car?” or “Why is my car wearing out so quickly?”—you’re in the right place. Bad driving habits can cause hidden damage to your vehicle over time, leading to expensive repairs. Here’s a simple breakdown of common driving mistakes that could ruin your car and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Check Engine Light

Ever wondered, “Why is my check engine light on?” Ignoring it can lead to bigger problems. That light is your car’s way of saying something’s wrong. Get it checked as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.

Check Engine Light | Lou's Car Care Center, Inc.

2. Riding the Brakes

Do you often keep your foot on the brake while driving? This habit wears down your brake pads and overheats your brake system. Instead, use brakes only when needed and rely on engine braking when driving downhill.

Riding the Brakes | Lou's Car Care Center, Inc.

3. Speeding Over Potholes or Bumps

Speeding over potholes or speed bumps can damage your suspension, tires, and alignment. Slow down and drive carefully to avoid asking, “Why does my car pull to one side?”

4. Driving on Low Fuel

If you frequently ask, “Is it bad to drive on low fuel?”—the answer is yes! It can damage your fuel pump and clog your fuel filter with sediment. Keep your tank at least a quarter full to avoid costly fixes.

5. Revving a Cold Engine

“Should I rev my car when it’s cold?” The answer is no. Revving a cold engine can damage internal components. Let your engine warm up by idling for a minute before driving.

6. Hard Acceleration and Braking

Quick starts and stops might save seconds but cost you a lot in repairs. Hard acceleration and braking wear out your engine, brakes, and tires. Instead, drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow.

7. Skipping Maintenance

If you’ve ever searched, “What happens if I skip an oil change?” you know it’s not good news. Regular maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, keeps your car running efficiently and avoids expensive repairs later.

8. Overloading Your Car

“Can carrying too much weight damage my car?” Yes! Overloading stresses your suspension, tires, and brakes. Always check your car’s maximum load capacity in the owner’s manual.

9. Shifting Without Stopping

“Is it bad to switch gears while moving?” Absolutely. Shifting between drive and reverse without stopping puts unnecessary strain on your transmission. Always come to a full stop before changing gears.

10. Using the Wrong Fuel

“What happens if I use the wrong fuel in my car?” Using the wrong octane level can hurt your engine’s performance. Stick to the fuel recommended in your owner’s manual for the best results.

Vehicle Fuel | Lou's Car Care Center, Inc.

Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding these bad habits and following good driving practices, you can extend your car’s lifespan, save money, and reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns.

Have more questions about your vehicle? We can help! Lou's Car Care & Fleet Services has been proudly serving Baldwinsville, NY, and surrounding communities since 1976. Call us or schedule your next appointment online today!

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