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Every driver knows they should take their car in for its routine maintenance and auto repair when it’s needed. However, while your mechanic is essential to your vehicle’s longevity, so are you. There are daily ways you can help your car run smoothly for longer. Maximize your mileage with the following smart driving habits that won’t wear down the engine prematurely.

Engine-Friendly Driving Habits to Adopt

1. Accelerate Slowly

Taking off quickly doesn’t just waste fuel and burn the rubber off your tires. It puts a lot of stress on the drivetrain and overheats the engine. Accelerating moderately after turning, in congested traffic, and when moving forward from a stop will reduce your wear and tear.

2. Move While Turning

engineTurning your wheels while at a complete stop isn’t beneficial for your car. Steering while in motion—even if your car’s not going fast—reduces the amount of strain on the ball joints, tie rod ends, and power steering. If you’re pulling out of a parking spot or conducting a multiple-point turn, start turning your wheel before you stop.

3. Use the Car Often

Not driving your car often enough, or for long enough, is bad for your engine. For example, leaving it alone for more than a week will reduce your battery charge and dry out your oil seals. Only running short trips doesn’t allow your engine to heat to its full operating temperature. Go for a long drive at least once a week, even if this just means a scenic spin or consolidating all your errands into one trip.

4. Following Closely

When you follow behind other vehicles closely, you’ll have to brake suddenly when they do. This wears down your brakes much too soon and stresses out your drivetrain. Give yourself a safe following distance using the three-second rule. When the car in front of you passes a stationary landmark, count until you pass. It should be at least three seconds.

 

When the time comes to keep up with your engine maintenance and repair, you can trust your car with Cookeville Tire & Auto in Putnam County, TN. These experts have been serving local drivers for more than 25 years with a full range of auto care services. For your peace of mind, they offer a two-year warranty on parts and labor for all their work nationwide. See their full list of services online and call (931) 526-9022 to schedule an appointment.

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