2023-06-21 20:00:02
Leaving your hand resting on the gear shift knob or waiting until the last moment to fill the fuel tank are some actions that many drivers tend to repeat constantly without realizing that they could be affecting the operation of their vehicle. These are habits that could be very expensive in the long run, so it is convenient to know them to be vigilant and try to avoid them. For this reason, from the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the Technical Inspection of Vehicles, AECA-ITV, they list some of these actions that many drivers carry out but that few know the damage they can cause in their vehicles.
In the first place, and despite being an essential element in every vehicle, continuous use of the brakes or heavy braking causes them to overheat, reducing braking capacity and increasing wear. In this sense, it is advisable, whenever possible, to use the engine brake and to maintain, even more, concentration on the traffic, anticipating possible unforeseen events that imply sudden braking (for example, when approaching a traffic light or intersection, do not wait for at the last moment to brake the vehicle).
Over-revving the engine when cold. Engine oil is the blood of the vehicle and, for it to function correctly, it has to be at the right temperature and at the correct level. If the engine is not at this temperature, that is, it has just been started and is cold, the oil does not circulate fluidly through the lubrication circuit, so if it is made to work at high revolutions, it can cause higher scuffs.
Driving with tire pressures outside of those stipulated by the vehicle manufacturer not only causes irregular wear, but is also dangerous (it can increase stopping distance, reduce grip, or even increase the risk of a blowout). In addition, it causes an increase in the fuel consumption of the vehicle. It is also important to avoid hitting the tyre, for example, on curbs or rubbing against the side during parking manoeuvres, since the deformations they suffer can cause internal damage (cracks or “bumps”) that can have greater consequences, such as a blowout.
Also, keeping a gear engaged while the vehicle is stopped (for example, at a traffic light), can accelerate clutch wear. In these cases, it is preferable to leave the car in neutral. For its part, keeping the clutch pedal depressed can also cause damage to the vehicle. It is an element that, when activated, actually disengages the gearbox (the transmission is disconnected from the engine); therefore, it should only be stepped on when changing a gear. Another habit that can cause damage is reversing without stopping the vehicle, since it can damage the gearbox. Therefore, it is advisable to completely stop the vehicle before engaging reverse gear.
In the same way, special care must be taken with the weight that the vehicle can carry, since the greater the load, the more unstable the behavior of the vehicle in the event of any incident. In addition to the brakes, suspension or transmission will have to make a greater effort.
Even avoid potholes. Data reveals that at least a third of all vehicle damage (mainly to suspension, transmission and tyres) is due to potholes that can be found on the roads, so as much as possible , without endangering other users and complying with traffic regulations, you must try to avoid and/or pass them at a suitable speed.
Finally, beware of speeding on bumps or speed bumps. The bumps, mainly those located at pedestrian crossings, are intended to force the driver to slow down. Overcoming these bumps at an excessive speed leads to wear on the suspension elements and can even cause some of the elements under the vehicle to hit the ground, both when taking the bump (front of the vehicle, mainly front bumper) and when leaving it (rear part, mainly exhaust elements or rear bumper).
#Driving #habits #breakdowns #car