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No matter what type of car you own, you’ll need auto repairs eventually. How you drive your vehicle can have you calling a mechanic sooner rather than later, though. Below are a few driving habits that you should avoid to prolong your vehicle’s life span.

What Common Driving Habits Will Damage Your Car?

1. Hard Braking

When braking, you shouldn’t stomp on the pedal at the last minute. While you can’t avoid it in emergencies, it causes considerable heat and friction in your brake system, which can damage the hoses and cause leaks. It also contributes to wearing down your brake pads. You’ll end up needing frequent brake services and replacements if you do this.

2. Hitting Potholes

auto repairSome potholes are unavoidable, but running over them at full speed can wreak havoc on your tires and alignment. Hitting a pothole too hard can bend your rims, pop your tires, and knock your wheel alignment off, as well as move the mechanical parts of your car.

3. Not Using the Hand Brake

Your hand brake, also known as the parking or emergency brake, isn’t only for when you’re parked on an incline or for emergencies. It should be engaged every time you park your car. While shifting your vehicle into “park” should keep it from moving, it puts weight and pressure on your transmission and doesn’t lock your wheels. Engaging your hand brake before shifting into “park” will limit wear on your engine components. 

4. Shifting While Moving

Unless you have a manual transmission, the only time you should change into a different gear is when your car is completely still. When you’re backing out of your driveway or a parking spot, you may shift while your vehicle is rolling, but this is harmful to your transmission. It can cause premature wear, broken parts, or a locked-up engine.

 

If your car has suffered from these driving mistakes, make an auto repair appointment with Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO. For over 30 years, their certified auto mechanics have provided skilled, long-lasting auto repair solutions. They offer work on tires, ignition, transmission, AC, oil, and brake services. View their extensive services online, and call (314) 921-4961 to schedule an appointment.

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